#i love the way the fish scales reflect the light in silver flashes

[moonchild-in-blue]

🐟 silver fish and manta rays 🐟

[in-slytherin-we-trust]

Another Time, Another Life (Draco Malfoy x Reader) Part 3/4

-> A ball, a revelation, and a confrontation... Will it be a happily ever after or a tragic love story that had run its course?

Click here for Part 1 and Part 2

*Y/N/N = Your nickname

“You’re positive that there is no dress code for this pretentious ball?” Y/N asked him again, her head tilted to one side, clamping the muggle phone that Harry gave her as a birthday present between one ear and her shoulder.

“Apparently so at least from the letters that they sent us, there’s no mention of any dress code. Only that we have to wear formal attire.” Harry replied, “I have no complaints though, makes it easier for us.”

Y/N groaned, “Ughh tell me about it. Even without dress code I still don’t own anything appropriate enough for a ball of this scale. Godric knows how many people the Malfoys have invited.”

She stared at her reflection on the cheval glass mirror in front of her, biting her lip in frustration, tossing yet another dress that she deemed not up to standards to the mounting pile on her bed.

“Just pick a random one, *Y/N/N. I’m sure you’d still look lovely either way.” Harry said again, she can picture him shrugging on the other side while saying this.

“Alright.. I’ll figure something out. You’ll come here by 7 right?” Her eyes drifted towards the wall clock, showing the time, 6:15 p.m.

“7 on the dot, just as how we planned. I’ll see you.” Harry said, ending the call.

“Right, see you then.”

Y/N sat on the edge of her bed as she looked at her now half empty wardrobe. Why am I even thinking this hard about what to wear? It’s just a ball, I wouldn’t even stay there long.

Earlier, Harry told her that he’ll be wearing a crimson tie. Should she just match him?

Y/N walked towards the other side of her flat where a small wardrobe stands, this is where she keeps all the clothes that she rarely wears for whatever reason. There’s bound to be a red dress in there somewhere, between all the crammed raiment.

A shimmer of glittering fabric caught her attention, her breath hitched in her throat as her eyes scanned the forgotten dress. She carefully grabbed it by the hanger, the dress twinkling even more as the light from the lamps hit it.

This is it, this is the dress.

The dress fits her like a glove, Y/N wondered how in the world she has never worn this beauty before. She grabbed her wand and utter a spell to do her hair into an elegant updo, leaving some loose curled tendrils hanging down to frame her face.

She finished just in time when she heard a ‘pop’ and the Boy Who Lived appears in her living room.

Harry’s mouth formed a brilliant smile as he took her appearance in. “See what I mean when I said you could wear absolutely anything? You look stunning, *Y/N/N.”

Y/N returned his grin, “Glad I got your stamp of approval, you’re looking rather dashing yourself. Shall we?”

Harry nodded as he offers her his hand to link with hers, then they apparated together to Malfoy Manor.

———————————————————————

Both Y/N and Harry cannot recognize this new version of Malfoy Manor in front of them. The sprawling mansion that used to has doom and gloom written all over it has been renovated inside out.

The large hallways are still sumptuously decorated but now brightly lit, rococo style lamps in gold and silver lined the walls, casting a warm glow.

A steward welcomed them when they entered the front door and acts as their guide, navigating the otherwise labyrinth like hallways towards the ballroom.

Finally they came upon a towering gilded door, the soft sound of classical music coming from behind it.

“Here you are, sir and madame. Please enjoy your evening.” The steward said with a low bow.

“Thank you for the assistance.” Y/N replied, giving him a gracious smile.

Harry reached a hand towards the door and push it open, the door swung easily despite how heavy it looks.

The grand ballroom is crawling with revelers wearing suits and dresses in all shades of colors. A live orchestra is playing on the very center of the room, buzz of chatter and laughter can be heard from every corner.

“Wow... they sure spared no expense.” Y/N said breathlessly.

“That is an understatement.” Harry replied, voicing his agreement.

Feeling like a fish out of water, Y/N grimaced, “What are we supposed to do while in here again?”

“Beats me, *Y/N/N. I guess we can just go straight for the food and drinks?” He said as he shoved both hands in his trouser’s pockets.

“Brilliant idea, I’m way too sober for this.”

So that’s where the two of them stayed for some duration of the ball, in the back of the room near the refreshment tables. Gobbling down their shares of grilled oysters, lobster toasts, caviar, and champagne. Minding their own business away from prying eyes.

They were in the middle of a rather interesting chat about some gentleman in a hilarious looking lemon colored suit, when they were interrupted.

“Mr. Potter and Miss Y/L/N.... what a delight it is to have you here, I’m honored that the both of you decided to accept our invitations.” Lucius Malfoy said coldly, Narcissa Malfoy in tow.

They donned themselves in all black suit and dress, looking regal yet very much intimidating as always. Regardless, Y/N can feel that something is off about them, the air of haughtiness that they used to carry themselves with now seems rather.... faux. In fact if she might say so herself, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy looked rather timorous and on guard.

“Thank you for the invitation, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy.” Y/N answered in a noncommittal tone, masking her face into one of civility. “I really enjoyed the food, it was exquisite.”

“What she said.” Harry spoke, giving them a slight nod. Y/N had to resist the urge to smile at her friend’s behavior.

Narcissa smiled, “I’m glad you think so, I arranged it all myself. Have you had the chance to dance? We hired the orchestra all the way from Vienna.”

“No we haven’t yet, we were too busy munching the hors d'oeuvres.” Harry replied with a polite smile. After all he kinda owed his life to her.

Narcissa nodded understandingly, “Please do take yourselves for a dance or two if you’re up for it, the guests are eager to catch a glimpse of our celebrated war heroines.”

She then turned her eyes towards Y/N, “And of course it would be a waste of such beautiful dress if you stay in the shadow, Miss Y/L/N. You are a vision in red.”

Before any of them could answer again, Lucius Malfoy tugged his wife away and they continued on their rounds, playing the perfect hostess.

A rather upbeat sonata started playing, sending flocks of excited people gravitating towards the dance floor. Even Harry bobbed his head and tapped his feet along to the tune.

“Wanna go for a dance? This one seems fun.” Y/N asked, offering him an outstreched hand.

“I would love to my lady, be my guest.” Harry take hold of her hand and lead her to an empty spot on the dance floor.

Despite them not knowing what kind of dance they’re supposed to do since this tune is not exactly for ballroom dancing, they decided to just roll with it and made up the moves as they go. Swaying and taking turns in twirling each other. Laughter bubbling in her throat, feeling much more relaxed than before.

The couples around them seemed to be doing the same, no one moves in sync, but still they all managed to make quite the crowd.

“Switch it up, ladies and gentleman! Partner up with someone else.” Someone from the orchestra spoke.

Harry and Y/N look towards one another, “Would anyone even notice if we just stay together for the rest of the dance?” He asked.

“With the state that we’re all in right now? Doubt it.” Y/N said as she made no move to look for another dance partner.

Someone tapped Harry on his right shoulder, “May I cut in?” A smooth voice said, making the both of them stop and turn to see the intruder.

Draco Malfoy stood in all his glory, looking sinfully handsome in his black suit and crisp white shirt. Not a single hair out of place. A far cry from how he looked when Y/N last saw him in the trial chamber.

“Beg your pardon? What exactly are you trying to do, Malfoy?” Harry said defensively, putting a hand on her lower back as he tugged her closer to him. The motion didn’t go unnoticed, something flashed briefly in Draco’s eyes before he maintained his cool.

“I was just asking Y/L/N to dance with me, didn’t you hear that we are supposed to find a new partner?” Draco fired back aloofly.

“What is your game here? You could have just asked one of your friends like Parkinson or Greengrass over there, they too are short of partners.” Harry continued.

“Well I found myself rather fancying for Y/L/N’s company, it’s not as if she’s your girlfriend, Potter. She is allowed to dance with whomever she likes.” Draco retorted, not backing down. In fact he is fuelling the fire.

“See that’s the thing! How could you even think that Y/N would like to dance with you of all people?” Harry said with a scoff. “Right, *Y/N/N?”

Y/N noticed that they’re starting to create a commotion and some closest to them have even stopped dancing to watch what exactly is going on.

Not wanting to have a fight on hand, she cleared her throat, “It’s okay, Harry. Just one dance, people are starting to look, leave it be.”

Harry still looked unconvinced but she gave him a reassuring nod, then he nods back. “I’ll be around if you need anything.”

Y/N refocused her attention towards Draco, “Let’s dance then if you so insist.”

Draco throw her a charming grin that would’ve knocked other girls from their feet, but not her. “Indulge me, Y/L/N. I have been waiting to dance with you for hours.”

Y/N rolled her eyes, “Have it your way, Malfoy. Let’s make it clear that I’m only saying yes because I don’t want to cause a scene at your parents’s party.” But still she accepted his outstretched hand and let him pulls them closer together.

———————————————————————

Draco Malfoy turned out to be an excellent dance partner, not that it surprised her, his parents probably made him took ballroom dancing classes the moment that he could walk. Purebloods and their propriety, it’s rather old fashioned really.

“This feels rather nice, doesn’t it?” Draco said, breaking the silence between them.

As much as she wants to deny that, there’s something about being this close to him as his arms wrap around her that feels just... right.

“Only because you’re being a decent human being for once, Malfoy.” Y/N replied nonchalantly.

“That has some truth in it, I do apologize for all the times when I’ve been an arse to you and your friends.”

Y/N sniggered, “Draco Malfoy can actually apologize, huh? What has the world come to. Your poor pride must be in shambles now.”

Instead of throwing back a remark, she’s surprise to see him giving her an earnest smile. “I found that when it comes to you, Y/L/N.. I tend to forget all my principles.”

“Is this your attempt at being charming?” She said teasingly.

“That depends, is it working?” He asked with a curious tilt to his head.

“Perhaps.” She answered smoothly.

“Perhaps.” He echoed back.

They were silent for a moment as the dance demanded for a twirl, carefully spinning her around and ensuring he’s not stepping down on her dress.

“The decoration is magnificent, it kind off reminds me of the Yule Ball.” Y/N said, stirring them into another conversation.

Draco almost froze in his tracks and cautiously approached the subject, “What do you remember about it?”

Y/N gave him a weird look as in, “Do you think I got too drunk back then that I didn’t remember a thing?” but decided to comply.

“I went with Oliver Wood and I wore a jade colored dress, definitely a good night for me.” She said as she smiles at the memory that resurfaces. “Your date was Pansy Parkinson right?”

“Yes... but I didn’t exactly dance the night away with her.” He said quietly.

Y/N raised an eyebrow his way, “Oh? What happened?”

She can see the look of hesitation on his face and in the way that his mouth keeps on opening and closing as if weighing the words that’s on the tip of his tongue carefully. “I was with you.. that night I ditched her to accompany you instead.”

Y/N jaw dropped open, “How hilarious, Malfoy.”

“No, Y/N. I’m being serious.” And the look on his face tells her enough that he is indeed not joking, that it compelled her to shut her mouth.

“Wood left you to talk with a quidditch scout who also attended the Yule Ball. Probably lost track of time while trying to butter that person up.”

Y/N felt her head getting heavier and a migraine starting to throb her skull. “I don’t remember any of that.... you’re lying. I was with him the whole night and we even walked back together to the common room.”

“Y/N/N...” Draco whispered out her nickname, “It was me who walked you back.”

She broke away from him, earning a few curious glances from the surrounding couples.

“I’m sorry but you must excuse me.” She said, not even bothering to look up at him as she left in a hurry.

No matter how big this ballroom is, she still feels suffocated.

———————————————————————

Y/N escaped the confines of the ballroom and wander aimlessly, not even paying attention to where she’s headed. Her whole body feels feverish. She just knows that she needs to find some fresh air to breathe in.

With some luck she founds herself in front of a glass door that leads to a small balcony. She muttered a silent prayer and let out a relieved sigh as the door swung open.

She closed her eyes, deeply breathing in and out in a controlled motion to calm her erratic heart. What was it about his words that bothered her so? For Godric’s sake this is Malfoy that we’re talking about! He loves twisting other people’s mind.

Y/N slumped against the railing, settling her burning cheek on the cold granite. She probably looks real pathetic if anyone happen to pass by.

She doesn’t know how much time has passed since then, but her body tensed at the sound of the balcony door behind her opening. A soft pitter patter of steps slowly making its way to her.

“You really should come with a warning label or an instruction manual, Y/N.” Draco Malfoy’s voice broke the silent night. Even the noises from the party doesn’t reach this part of the manor.

“That’s rich coming from you, Malfoy. Honestly why do you constantly feel the need to be soo bloody annoying.” She shot back weekly.

“Is it okay if I join you?” He asked.

“A bit late for asking don’t you think? But please don’t mind me, it’s your house after all and I’m just a guest.” She answered, gesturing with her hand for him to come and stand beside her.

“What was that back inside, Malfoy?” Y/N internally chastised herself for the tremble in her voice.

“There is something that you have to know, Y/N. Something about us.” He replied just as quietly.

“I—I don’t get it, there was never an ‘us’ so what are you talking about?” Her hands started shaking again but she forced it into a fist to steady herself. It takes an awful lot of effort for her to believe her own words because somehow, she knows that there is something more to this situation and she’s about to find out.

“I have to do something first but I need you to trust me, can you do that?” He asked.

Despite her common sense that is screaming at her to just turn around and get as far away as she can from there, her body betrayed her and she founds herself nodding.

Her eyes followed his every movement as she watches Draco slowly pulls out his wand from the inner pocket of his suit. He lift both hands up, his wand still tightly clutched in his right hand, but he’s trying to convey that he means her no harm.

“Ready?” He asked, once again asking for her permission.

“Ready.” She replied while steeling herself for whatever is about to come.

And then she felt as if her body is flung into another dimension.

White erupts all around her, scenes flashing by soo fast. Faces.... soo many faces. She almost drop to her knees, most likely from motion sickness, but then it all stopped.

And then she sees it. Her memories of Draco. Him stealing her for a dance in the Yule Ball when she thought she would spend the rest of the night sulking in some abandoned corridor after Oliver left her. Draco who insisted on being her partner in Potions and kicking Seamus out of his seat beside her, saying that it’s for her own good unless she wants to risk being exposed to frequent explosion. Draco who discreetly lended her his sweater when he saw her shivering during Care for Magical Creatures class. Draco who erased himself out of her memories and out of her life.

Y/N gasped in pain, feeling as if she just got stabbed over and over again as the hurt comes rolling in waves.

“YOU HAD NO RIGHT, DRACO LUCIUS MALFOY!!!” She screamed in agony, throwing herself his way, pinning him to the ground as she shakes him by his shoulders.

Tears blurred her vision as her body shook with violent sobs. She felt broken in soo many ways that she has to fight hard just to anchor herself at the thread of reality.

“I’m so sorry, love. I’m soo fucking sorry.” She felt him crying too beneath her.

He tug at her arms, silently asking for permission to pull her into his arms. Having no fight left in her, she allowed herself this sliver of comfort. Although in this very moment, she wants nothing more than to hurt him as bad as he had hurt her.

“Why, Draco? How could you do that to me? To us?” Y/N asked, barely above a whisper. Her voice sounds soo devastated, it pains him to no end to see her this way.

“I had no other choice, Y/N/N. I can’t let Voldemort use you against me, I can’t put you in danger just because I’d love nothing more than to have you by my side forever. Believe me, love. I did it all for you.” He croaked.

“I just don’t get it.... how could someone care for another and still take so much from them?”

“But it saved you a great deal of trouble! Like back at my trial when they asked you whether or not we were involved. Had I not taken your memories away, you wouldn’t be able to lie your way out under the veritaserum.” Draco retorted, clearly frustrated.

“Still, Draco..... Believe me if our situation were reversed, you’d be as angry as I am. Having your memories taken away from you like that is horrifying, I feel soo violated.”

Slowly she untangled himself from him and sits up, despite everything that has happened, she could still feel her heart reaching out for him. It still craves him and she doesn’t think that there would ever come a time when it won’t.

Draco followed her lead and sat himself, leaning his body against the railing. “I’m so sorry for all the pain that I’ve caused you, for all the pain that I’m still causing.”

Y/N stares at his face, the person that she once loved with all her being. “I don’t know what to say, Draco... I don’t even know if we can go back to how we were before all this.”

She watched as his face fell but there’s understanding in his eyes, “I know, starlight. I just want you to be happy.”

Y/N stood and clean the invisible dust from her dress, not that it makes it appear better, the skirt is all rumpled now.

“I... have to go. Thank you for the invitation.” She said, putting on a mask of cool indifference even though under all that, a violent storm is tearing at her very soul, but she has to be strong, for herself.

“Thank you for coming... Be safe, Y/N.” He replied meekly, but he managed to give her a small smile.

Y/N nodded and just like that history is repeating itself, but this time it’s her turn to walk away from him.

———————————————————————

Y/N made her way back to the ballroom, her eyes frantically scanning the room for Harry.

She saw him standing at the other side of the room and she walked briskly towards him.

Harry immediately noticed that something’s off, “Are you okay, Y/N/N? Do I need to fight anyone?”

Y/N smiled at her bestfriend, “That would be one hell of an entertainment to see but not tonight, buddy. Can we leave now?”

“Absolutely.” He said as he offered her his arm and they walked together towards the exit.

Turned out that it is actually quite late and some people have decided to call it a day too thus why Lucius and Narcissa are standing near the door to say their farewell to the returning guests.

When it is Harry and Y/N’s turn, Narcissa suddenly laid a hand on Y/N’s shoulder, “May I have a moment, dear?”

“Of course, Mrs. Malfoy.”

———————————————————————

Narcissa leads her to a parlor room not too far from there and offer her a seat at one of the plush settee.

“I would like to apologize for every wrong that I and my family have done to you, Miss Y/L/N. Our list of misdeeds are long and unforgiveable but all of us are paying for our sins. I wish you nothing but all the best that life could offer and Merlin knows how much you and your friends deserve it.” She said in a soft voice, shame painted her face.

“Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy. I couldn’t speak for all of them but I know that me and Harry share the same sentiment especially towards you. I’d also like to thank you for sparing Harry’s life back then, if it weren’t for you, we would never be here.” Y/N replied, giving her a warm smile.

“You’re too kind, dear. We deserve far less than that but still I thank you for your clemency, but I’m afraid there is something else that I would like to talk to you about.”

“What about?”

“My son.” Narcissa said.

Y/N unconsciously gripped the edge of the settee as her thought floated back to the moment at the balcony.

“You know?” Y/N asked.

“You’ll find that rarely anything ever escaped a mother’s eye, Y/N.” Narcissa answered, “I know that what he did is wrong and it is yours to decide whether or not you will let him in your life again, but there is something that I’d like to give to you first.”

Narcissa walked towards a drawer and pull something out, a parchment.

“Draco wrote this sometime ago, it is for you.”

Y/N took the letter with shaky hands, “Why are you giving me this?”

“Draco might be a very difficult person, Y/N, but if there is one thing that I know for sure is the fact that my boy is completely in love with you.” Narcissa said as she smiles her way, “And I believe that he has chosen the right woman to anchored his heart to, you are a formidable force, dear. And I admire you for that.”

———————————————————————

———————————————————————

A/N : WHEW okay I think this was rather intense, what do you think?

Taglist : @chaoticgirl04 @accioxdracox @randomsingingkoala @ivarlothbroks @sycathorn-slush @thescarletknight2014 @irritantive @vaeonshi

[descendantofthesparrow]

Part of your world - Harry Hook x reader - part 13 - push

a rewrite of ​the x reader that @bluediamondsevie wrote for me

 summary: a who doesn’t love the Disney World, well, (y/n) especially loves descendants, and one day, as she dances in her kitchen getting ready to head out. 17-year-old (y/n) becomes part of that world, now a certain blue-eyed pirate meets the girl from a world where he is a fictional character and he has an actor named Thomas Doherty.

  Key:

 h/c- hair color

 e/c- eye color

 h/l- hair length

 s/c- skin color

 y/n- your name

 your stuff

 ---

The next morning when you woke up Harry was still asleep, and you took the chance to get dressed and leave before he could try to talk to you.

Just as you were leaving the room, you heard Harry's voice from behind you, “lassie wait I wanna-“ you ignored him, closing the door behind you and speedwalking off the ship and rushing over to the chip shop, stopping by Uma, asking if she had any jobs for you to do today, she rose a brow, thinking that today was Harry’s pay route, and you usually went with him, she had a feeling that your weird behavior was because of the reveal yesterday.

She gave you a job of collecting the depts of the more dangerous villains, so you hurried to leave, Harry catching you at the entrance, “hey lass, ready teh rob some people tehday~?” you pushed past him, Harry's brows furrowed in confusion, what did he do?!

He turned to the crew, they all shrugged, they were just as confused, you and Harry had been basically attached at the hip for the past two and a half months. And now all of a sudden you were ignoring him?

What the hell? Harry felt his eyes burn and quickly ducked his head down and made his way to the table, the crew looking at him with sympathy, they knew how to harry felt about you, and now you were acting as if he didn’t exist, that had to hurt, Uma dropped a tray in front of Harry, but he pushed it away and hid his face in his arms, folding them on the table and let silent tears run down his face. Uma sighed and pat his back, rushing back to the kitchen to deliver orders.

‘(y/n)’ Uma thought ‘what the hell are you doing’

She looked back at Harry, whos shoulders started to shake slightly, Gil rubbing his back.

‘you said you didn’t want to hurt Harry but,’ Uma shook her head, grabbing two trays and making her way to the costumers ‘that’s exactly what you’re doing’

---

You exited Shaun yu’s bunker, money clutched in your hand, and scaled the wall, landing on the roof and lept across the buildings, landing on a largely abandoned warehouse, sitting at the edge, you sat there in silence for a minute, before pain began rising in your chest, you dry heave, jolting forward, gasping for air, hot tears running down your face.

You didn’t want to push Harry away, but if it meant that he would hurt less when you inevitably left this world, you would do it, even if it meant killing your heart in the process.

Sobs racked your chest, you clutched the cracked ruby necklace Harry had stolen for you, you remember the day he presented to you

--

You sat on your bed, sketching Uma, surrounded by the sea, the water bending to her will, calm but fierce, beautiful but dangerous. Just like her. You were lining the features of her face when the door slammed open, Harry grinning at you, you smiled and set the sketch aside, raising an eyebrow at the obviously exited Scottish pirate boy.

“whats got you so happy hooky~?” he grinned sheepishly at the nickname, walking through the doorframe ad closing the door with his foot, fishing something out of his pocket,

“I saw’ somthin’ tha’ reminded me of ye’ so I snatched it” he grasped your hand and placed a shining ruby necklace in your palm, your eyes sparkled at it, making harry snicker, goddamit why were you so goddamn cute!

“Oh Harry!” you squealed, holding it up in the light, it reflected the light and it shone brightly in the room “I love it~!! Help me put it on!!”

Harry grinned and nodded, happy that you liked his gift, you handed him the necklace and turned, (if you have long hair, you hold it out of the way, if its short, you just stand there,) Harry clasped the silver chain around your smooth (s/c) neck, you giggled at Harrys touch, he laughed with you, patting your shoulders to let you know he finished, you turned and looked down at the gem, squealing you lunged forward and hugged Harry, his arms wrapping around you securely, burying his face in your hair.

“thank you harry~! I love it!”

“glad ye do lassie”

“im going to go show it to Uma!”

Harry snickered and let you go, he watched to run off to Uma’s cabin with a soft smile, what you didn’t know is that Harry didn’t steal the necklace, he saw it at a jewel shop and had asked what the ruby represented, the owner had said that red represented passion and love, Harry thought it was perfect and had snatched the jewel and left $50, the owner didn’t even blink, collecting the money and smiling at Harry's receding back, ahh young love, it could make the cruelest person turn over a new leaf.

---

You couldn’t breathe, your heart breaking with every memory of harry flooding through your mind, dear god, you never thought you’d feel like this for a fictional character, but the feelings were there, and you were scared of them, you and Harry were never supposed to meet, he was never supposed to even know your name. you weren’t supposed to meet the character, just the actor.

You were just a girl who had landed in a world where you weren’t supposed to exist.

you weren't supposed to fall in love with Harry Hook.

For the next hour, you sat there, crying your heart out, when the hour was up, you took a deep breath, wiping your eyes, when you finally composed your self, you saw the barrier shiver and flash green.

Uh oh, you knew what that meant.

Mal was here.

You sat there for a few more minutes, before hearing the rumble of a motor, you lept up and looked over the edge, seeing mal, blonde hair and everything, chuck a rock at a sign and enter the building you were sitting on top of.

Oh, well then, time to go, time to leave, bye bye core four hideout! You ran and jumped, landing on the shorter building next to the hideout. And raced back to the ship, shit was about to go down.

---three months ago on Auradon---

Fairy Godmother stood in front of the core four and ben, she clapped her hands together and looked at them with a serious face. The five straightened, no messing around when FG is this serious.

“I have called you here to tell you all of a situation, a dimensional portal opened yesterday and I can not locate the thing or person that has entered this world” Mal rose her hand, confused, FG nodded and Mal stepped forward

“what do you mean, dimensional portal? And entered our world?”

FG nodded and spoke; “yes, we are only one of many worlds, for instance, there is another world where the evil queen created a world with no magic, and the daughter of snow white and prince charming saved that world and the villains soon became heroes. But the being that landed in our world is not from that world, but a world where we are nothing but characters on a tv screen.”

FG waved her hand, and a picture of a girl appeared, FG handed it to mal and she and her friends examined the photo.

It was a girl with (s/c) skin, (h/l) (h/c) hair, (e/c) eyes, and (round/sharp/square) face.

“if you ever find this girl, bring her immediately to me, she needs to be sent home as soon as possible.”

--present mal POV—

Mal heard footsteps on the roof and looked to the side where they stopped, seeing an (h/c) girl jumping from the roof of her hideout to the building next to it, Mal squinted, the girl slightly turned and showed her face, and mals memory flashed, and she hurriedly fished the photo of the girl out from her pocket, it matched exactly, Mal smirked at the girls receding back.

‘found you’.

--end of part 13—

Comment or message me for part 14

taglist:

@namelesslosers

@crazybutconfidentaf

@lukes-princess

[dontstopyurinow]

It’s the last week of May and I really wanted to take part in mermay so I prepared a little something. I will be posting a chapter a day until Friday, May 31rst. I hope you enjoy! <3

Yuuri plunges his arm in the water again and curses when he splashes his face and glasses and ends up empty-handed. The season for fishing has just started but so far his bucket only counts a lazy crab and tiny fishes that he will have to throw back in the sea.

The days are slow in Hasetsu during the off-season, even more so since Yuuri has retired. He still goes to the rink and has a couple of ice shows planned next winter, but it’s nothing like the training rhythm he was used to. He works at the Onsen, where the patrons are rare and the tourists have not started to come yet, and so he spends most of his time at the beach or the ballet studio. He comes home in the evening to help in the kitchen or in the baths.

He sits back on a big rock and wipes his wet hands on his jeans. He sighs and peels a long strand of algae off his forearm with a wince.

“Do you come here often?”

Yuuri jumps in surprise. He was fairly certain to be alone. It takes a bit of hiking to reach this small cove and only a handful of inhabitants of Hasetsu know about it. There’s not a lot of sand and it’s mainly boulders and rocks that jut out far into the sea, making the place a good spot for fishing, but not so much for swimming.

Yuuri looks around. No one is on the beach. He squints but he cannot see anything but white sand and quiet waves.

He shakes his head and wipes his forehead with the back of his hand. The sun is high in the sky, it’s getting hot, and he’s hungry. He must have stayed alone so long that he’s hearing voices in the lapping of the ocean.

“You should try this reef over there, it’s full of spider crabs.”

This time Yuuri jerks up. He stands precariously on a green rock, his net in one hand and his bucket in the other. His heart quickens. Something large and dark is moving under the waves next to him. He takes a step back when it breaks the surface. He has a loud sigh of relief.

It’s a seal. A brown seal, rather fat and friendly looking. Yuuri squats. It doesn’t seem afraid. It’s not uncommon to see seals around the harbor, lying on the pontoons and enjoying the sun while they wait for the fish to come to them in the trawlers.

Yuuri takes one of the wriggling fishes in his bucket and throws it. The seal catches it like a dog catches a tennis ball, and disappears into the water. Yuuri smiles for a second, until he frowns again. Seals don’t speak. He is clearly imagining voices.

“Are you going to ignore me forever?”

The voice has come closer. Yuuri feels a chill down his spine. He turns around and flinches.

There is a man in the water, holding onto a boulder to keep himself afloat. Yuuri had not seen him between the waves and the rocks, only his face and the top of his chest are visible from where he is.

Yuuri has already seen divers here before. The cove is quiet, far from the tourists, their noise, and their pollution, the area is perfect for snorkeling. Usually, they don’t pay attention to him and they busy themselves each in their own spot without disturbing the other.

“I’m sorry I- I thought I was alone,” Yuuri balbutiates.

“It’s fine.”

The man doesn’t look like the people Yuuri usually comes across. Not even like the tourists he greets at the Onsen. He has no diving gear, no mask, no snorkel. His skin is so pale it looks like it is glowing. His hair is silver and it is so long that it floats in the water around him. His shoulders are wide and his biceps perfectly defined. Yuuri swallows. His throat is tight.

Yuuri forces himself to stop staring not to be rude. He frowns again. The man couldn’t look more out of place if he tried. Maybe it’s a surfer.

“Erm- Are you fishing too?” Yuuri asks abruptly, as to make up for his lack of response to the previous questions.

“Nah, I’m just swimming around, taking Makka out a little bit...”

Yuuri doesn’t really know what he is talking about but he doesn’t ask. For a second he thinks the conversation is over, but another question comes.

“Did you catch something?”

Yuuri shakes his head down. “It’s too early in the year, I barely caught a crab…”

The diver cocks his head to the side and raises an eyebrow. He taps his lip with his finger, and disappears in the water before Yuuri can speak again. A long minute passes and Yuuri notes that he must be used to diving to hold his breath for so long. He is starting to worry when the man comes back up.

He doesn’t even seem out of breath. He is holding something in his hands. Yuuri opens a gaping mouth. It’s a giant clam, at least five times as big as what Yuuri usually finds between the rocks. He has sometimes seen exceptionally big conches at the fish market, but he doesn’t remember ever seeing one that size.

The man has a large, blissful smile at Yuuri’s surprised face. His mouth almost looks like a heart.

“You need to go quite deep for these ones but they are delicious, very squishy!” he says as he pushes the clam toward Yuuri, who shakes his head.

“You should keep it for yourself, it’s a really big one.”

“No, it’s fine, it’s not that big and I can always find another one.”

Yuuri is getting more and more confused, but once again, doesn’t ask further. This whole situation is strange and he doesn’t really know where it is going. Part of him is curious, but he’s never at ease with strangers and he’d feel much better if this conversation was over quickly.

A cloud passes in front of the sun and the sky darkens. Yuuri checks the time. His stomach growls. It’s a good enough excuse to leave politely.

“It’s getting late, I have to go. Thank you for erm- this,” he says as he picks up the clam and throws it in his bucket.

The man flashes him another huge smile and Yuuri flushes. It’s a really nice smile. “See you later!”

Yuuri is not sure he will ever see him again but he is glad that the discussion is over. He is about to turn around when something catches his attention. The diver pushes back against the rocks and swims away. Yuuri freezes into place.

Until now he could only see the chest of the man, and he was reasonably assuming that he was a regular man in a swimsuit, albeit a very good looking man. But now he sees that he was wrong. He blinks and his eyes widen behind his glasses. For a second he thinks that it’s just the reflection of the sun in the water, the fluid movement of the waves and the froth stirred by the wind that make him imagine shapes and forms. He keeps looking and his stomach twists as he realizes that the man doesn’t have legs.

Instead he has a giant tail. A fishtail, covered in thousands of iridescent scales. It’s longer and wider than human legs, flexible, powerful as it kicks under the surface and easily moves against the current. It glimmers with silvers, blues, greens, pinks, purples, it reflects the light in every color that Yuuri’s eyes can see and then some.

Yuuri watches it undulate as the man swims away. The large fin at the end of the tail rises above the water for a second, and disappears under the dark surface of the ocean.

Yuuri’s knees buckle. He falls on his butt. He stares at the quiet surface in dismay. His heart is beating so fast that feels almost nauseous.

It’s ten good minutes before he manages to gather his thoughts, stand back up, and pick up his bucket to leave.

“He had a fishtail.”

“A fishtail?”

“Yeah! Like- no legs, just a tail, and a fin at the end!”

“A fin?”

“Yeah, like a tuna or something.”

Mari and Yuuko look at him with worried eyes. They have just finished dinner and the whole family has marveled at the giant clam that Yuuri brought back from his outing at the beach. He has told his parents that he was lucky to find a good spot for clams and mussels, but what he has seen is too big to keep it all for himself. When his parents go to bed, he cannot help but share what he has seen with his sister and his friend.

“So... a mermaid," Mari says, perplexed.

“Exactly!” Yuuri gasps, relieved that he is not the only one to reach this conclusion.

Yuuko and Mari exchange a glance.

“Looks like someone stayed under the sun a bit too long…” Mari teases.

“No I swear!” Yuuri insists. To be fair, he has himself spent the rest of the afternoon worrying about his mental health, and had he not had the clam as a proof that it happened, he would have thought it was just his imagination and not talked about it to anyone.

“Half man, half tuna…” Yuuko wonders.

“We should get sushi tomorrow,” Mari says absentmindedly.

“Maybe it was a fancy swimsuit like in these waterparks.”

Yuuri shakes his head. “It wasn’t… It was… It was not a suit.”

No fabric, no material could look like this under the sun, Yuuri knows it. And even if it were a suit, it could not explain how the tail was so flexible. There is no way that a pair of legs was hidden in the costume. The whole thing makes Yuuri shudder.

“You didn’t see clearly, he was just a cute diver and you got distracted,” Mari says with a wink.

Yuuri blushes. “No, really-”

“He offered you a giant clam and you fell in love.”

“It’s not-”

"Was there a pearl in the clam?" Yuuko asks with curiosity.

“Come on Yuuri, it’s ok,” Mari coos. “Are you going to see him again?”

“I don’t know, he went underwater and left.”

"He left? He didn't come back on the beach?"

“I didn’t see him come out of the water.”

“He hid behind a rock until you left? That’s awkward.”

“Really awkward," Mari adds."Maybe he swam to the next cove.”

“That’s quite a distance,” Yuuko says with a frown. “I’m not sure… Even a good swimmer… I mean I wouldn’t try it.”

“Yuuri, you got friendzoned by a guy disguised as a tuna.”

Yuuri face and ears are crimson. He knows that his story sounds ridiculous, and part of his brain still wonders if he has had an hallucination, but hearing it said out loud just makes him sad and upset. He grunts in frustration and storms out as Mari and Yuuko laugh behind him.

The next day Yuuri goes back to the cove. He sits on the rocks and watches the horizon anxiously. He waits. The sun reflects on the waves just like it did the day before and makes him hope for a visit.

He waits two whole hours. Nothing happens. He bitterly drags his feet back home and avoids running into Mari when he sneaks back into his bedroom.

He goes back the next day. And the day after. And the day after. Every time he looks around, far over the horizon, closer right next to him behind the rocks. A couple of times he thinks he has seen a strand of silver hair or the reflection of scales. He throws a few fishes in the water in hopes to attract the brown seal. A week passes.

“Still thinking about tuna-man?”

“Mari, he was real.”

“He was a dude with a swimsuit… Get over it and pass me the plates over there.”

Yuuri hands her the plates and grabs the sponge to finish washing the dishes. Maybe she is right. He is not sure about what he remembers anymore.

At night when he closes his eyes, he sees the colors of the tail and the iridescent scales.

Maybe it was just a dream.

[darkmindsthinktwistedthoughts]

Devil’s own Luck pt9

Warning: Mobstyling warlords

Masterlist

---

Chapter 9 – Enter Player One

Mitsuhide returned to the building sometime after breakfast Mitsunari was waiting in the underground car park for him stacks of papers in his arms.

“You know you could have just left them on my desk.” Without a word of hello Mitsuhide smiled at the young man who had an uncharacteristic frown on his face. Oh, ground control we may have an issue.

“I could but I didn’t think this could wait.” Mitsunari solemnly handed over a few pages and drew Mitsuhide’s eyes to the highlighted sections. How thoughtful he’s already processed them for me…. now that is interesting. A few highlighted sentences caught his imagination and began to sketch a pattern that certainly promised to be more than standard daily office fluff.

“You see what I mean? Something isn’t right. The movement of cargo and shipments, all the logistics have reactivated and are turning up at the Uesugi sites.” Mitsunari had a serious expression as he explained his findings. There was no faulting the man when it came to this stuff everything he researched was thorough and meticulously checked. It was what he did he was basically like a human equivalent of Google and a high-speed super computer.

“Indeed, it seems that the sleeping dragon has awoken.” Still scanning the papers Mitsuhide’s mind was firing off possibilities left and right. Standard building supplies and general food, nothing out of the ordinary except for the quantities… a few questionably legitimate titles for things though.

“That’s not all I had a few of my men look into it as a matter of interest and have been told there are rumours that not only is he back but he has made an alliance.” Mitsunari’s voice was a bit quieter as he said this.

“Alliance? With who?” Mitsuhide broke his concentration on the paperwork to look into the purple eyes of the silver haired man before him. He’s never shown signs of wanting to form an alliance before.

“Rumour has it… Takeda.” The level voice replied and the violet eyes sparked. It was no secret that Mitsunari had enjoyed researching Shingen. The man’s ability to strategize was superb and to another analyst and strategiser he was something close to an idol. Mitsuhide had to agree reluctantly to an admiration when it came to Shingen Takeda. Takeda’s information network through the underground and more mainstream avenues rivalled his own, for a man who dealt in information that was something to admire.

“So, the dead old tiger isn’t as deceased as we were all lead to believe?” Mitsuhide allowed a smile to drag across his face. Now that is interesting. At least it promises to be more entertaining than all the things he had been doing for a while. Chasing all these small fish around was nothing to hunting some big game. His pulse raced slightly at the promise of something more than basic household maintenance.

“Mitsuhide … the rumours at the minute aren’t solid, but the logistics are an undeniable fact. Something is moving and it might be a serious threat. Something we haven’t seen on this scale for a while.” It was as much a word of warning as it was statement of fact. Mitsunari was clearly a little worried as he looked between Mitsuhide and the papers in his hands.

“You’re right. Well I shall have to do some digging myself and see what comes of it.” Mitsuhide opened the front passenger side and put the papers on the seat. Removing a couple of large bags from the back and held them out to Mitsunari.

“Can you give this to the Princess for me?” At Mitsuhide’s request, Mitsunari’s face brightened up just at the name. She really has affected all of them in a short period of time, hasn’t she?

“Of course. I shall take it to her right away, I was going to ask her if she would like to visit the study and find some books as she seemed to be rather down at breakfast.” The hint of concern in Mitsunari’s voice was touching. He was clearly thinking of her and trying to think of something in his own way to help. Mitsuhide’s chest felt like it was in a vice. Why do I feel like that? A forgotten part of him wanted to scream back through the layers of darkness inside him but he pushed the thoughts aside and simply moved on.

“She was?” Mitsuhide schooled his face and voice, masking anything that might be interpreted as genuine concern or human emotion.

“Yes, but no doubt your gifts will make her happy. You are such a kind thoughtful person Mitsuhide.” The innocence in Mitsunari’s face and voice was almost dripping with his usual upbeat, oblivious cheerfulness and light. Mitsuhide had a flash of thought that was close to what Leyasu might have felt on more than one occasion. Sometimes I would love to smack that face of yours and see if you bleed unicorns and rainbows. It was only a fleeting thought though he wasn’t actually able to maintain it as he looked at the hopelessly angelic smile. It would be like kicking a puppy.

“Hundreds would argue against you on that one. Anyway, I best be off, if I start now I might just make it back before the big social event kicks off.” Mitsuhide jumped into his car and left the underground as Mitsunari waved him off.

---

Refurbishment was drawing to a close and it couldn’t have happened any faster for one rather bored individual who was currently standing by a reflection pool in a rather well-maintained traditional garden. A set of heterochromial eyes focused on something distant in his mind’s eye as they gazed into the depths of the still water in front of him.

Crunching on the gravel behind him announced the arrival of the man he had been waiting for.

“You’re late.” His voice was flat and he didn’t grace the arrival with actually moving to see them face to face.

“Hello to you too. I am on time Kenshin, you just happen to be early. Did you sleep at all or did you simply stay up all night drinking again?” The cheery tone of the response was in direct contrast to the chilly one before it.

“What I do or don’t do has nothing to do with you Shingen I do not answer to you.” Kenshin’s blonde hair moved in the wind as he turned his head to look at Shingen with an unreadable expression.

“I merely wished to show concern for my friend no need to get bent out of shape on such a gorgeous day.” Shingen motioned to the surroundings unbothered by the abrasive attitude of the young man before him. Kenshin had always been the same ever since he had met him, there was of course a time that he was different but that could be said for everyone in this world. Holding on to the past made you stagnate and become bitter, Shingen long ago made peace with that fact.

“How much longer?” The blue and green eyes of Kenshin stared intently into Shingen’s brown ones as if searching him for an answer would yield better results than merely asking directly.

“The site manager just confirmed that the buildings have reached the final stage so they are just clearing it away.” In a friendly tone Shingen smiled at his inpatient friend and answered with something off topic. Enjoying the light teasing moment as he watched the young man’s eyes roll and him give off a sign of building frustration.

“That isn’t what I meant. I’m bored Shingen and you promised me a good fight. That is why I agreed to this stupid idea of combining resources with you in the first place. What is with all the window dressing?” Kenshin had moved closer to him and the agitation in his voice and body was palpable.

This was a man who struck first and asked questions later. His go to response for a lot of things resulted in him gathering a reputation for himself as some sort of deity. His anger resulted in one hell of a smiting. Behind all that Shingen saw a man struggling to control his own demons, one who wasn’t as cold and heartless as he portrayed.

“Patience my friend you shall get your fight in due time. And you know how much appearances can influence a result. The ‘window dressing’ as you call it is all part of it.” Shingen placed his hand on Kenshin’s shoulder and smiled. It was Shingen’s attention to detail that won a lot of fights before they could even get started in the past. It was unfortunate that he had made an error in judgement but God knew he was paying for that.

“Pointless bells and baubles. We should just march into the Azuki territory and meet them head on.” Kenshin was never one for appearances. He was an undeniable great man at reading information and planning accordingly, even during a fight there is no one better or faster but appearances never interested him.

Put Kenshin in front of an active fight and he could spot a gap in the defences faster than anyone. Reading the situation like the entire chaotic situation was a living breathing creature. A dragon waiting for it’s knight to stick his sword in and slay it. But put Kenshin in a position where he had to connect to a normal range of human emotions to interact and he so awkward at expressing himself he jumps straight to fight mode before processing his own thoughts first.

“That would be reckless. Without formulating a plan, it would be like a wave crashing against a wall.” Shingen’s voice remained unchanged and friendly. He knew he didn’t have to point it out but did anyway.

“For you maybe but I am not so weak as to fall that easily.” The boastful tone was not out of place. The pride Kenshin had was easily backed up from his ability to achieve the things he could.

“Says the man who for the last few years has been in hiding just like me.” It couldn’t be helped Shingen enjoyed the wind up nearly as much as the punch at the end of it. Verbal war fare was his forte.

“I was not hiding I have never run from a fight in my life. It is the only thing that makes me feel like I am alive you know that.” Kenshin took the bait and ran with it. He was a bit predictable like hat and Seeing Shingen smile more at the reaction let him know he had just let himself be goaded and it annoyed him further.

“Yes, I do. But the point remains you and I both know this plan had to go this way to work. Nobunaga has had too much time and luck; his territory is larger than it was when we were in our prime. And he has amassed a decent set of followers into his inner circle. The Devil King was always a beast but now his armour is harder than it was before.” Shingen outlined yet again the reasoning behind their particular turn of events and was met with an even more agitated response. It was like watching s storm brewing on a horizon, you knew it would be bad but couldn’t look away.

“I don’t care about that.” Kenshin spat out.

Both men stood firmly in place as they had done so many times before. Silently appraising each other. Long gone the days of fighting with each other, finding themselves equally wanting and admitting a draw over and over. But Kenshin had always been a man of honour for all the fighting he never once acted without it. The territories he gained were run without oppression. He loved a good challenge. Shingen trusted him this man of honour, this god of war, he wouldn’t brake an alliance for his own benefit he would see it though to the end. And at the end of it all Shingen knew he would most likely be coming for his head once more testing his boundaries again.

“You do Kenshin I know it. You are just as angry at that man as I am. His arrogance has decimated the lives and homes of too many to count, the street has run in the blood of both our men. The families of the men who followed us are on his hands and ours.” Shingen knew Kenshin was an honourable man even if he was technically unhinged at times. But that too he understood none of them had remained undamaged.

Trauma affects people differently, sometimes they retreat inward and bottle it up. Others it’s all like water off a duck’s back, and then there is the grey area. You get angry you fight before you think you guard yourself faster because you have felt the tremor of an attack ripple your way without understanding its origin. He had seen it in others he recognised it and Shingen tried as best as he could to ease the discontent without making it worse but even he had his limits. ‘This is why you need to get laid my friend.’ Shingen thought to himself as he watched the lights of the past dance in Kenshin’s miss matched eyes.

“You don’t have to remind me I remember.” Kenshin moved his eyes back to the depths of the water, unable to maintain that all seeing look from Shingen, his voice drifting.

“Just a little more time my friend and we will be able to formally announce everything.” Shingen moved closer to the waters edge and looked at their reflections on the surface.

“Is this going to be another one of your audacious bits of window dressing?” The tone of his frustrated voice also held a level of acceptance. And Shingen smiled more at that as Kenshin dropped his shoulders slightly in apparent defeat.

“You’ll see my friend, but right now we need to go and find some formal wear.” Shingen’s retort caused Kenshin to almost visible squirm. He enjoyed a party if there was a lot of drinking but he had a horrible feeling that Shingen intended to attend one that also had a lot of women there and that was definitely not his idea of fun.

---

Mitsuhide had driven around most of the day his neck was stiff and as he parked up once more at base he rolled his head from side to side to ease it.

The information he had found seemed to confirm suspicions and he had messaged Nobunaga accordingly. The response was, “So the Tiger is still alive and teamed up with the God of war. And just when I thought things were getting tiresome. Good work now come home we have a party to get to.” He didn’t need telling twice it had been a rather long day dipping and diving into areas where he normally would visit just not all in one day.

His mind was spinning slightly and he knew he still had to get ready for the evenings festivities. He dragged himself out the car and up to his room dropping his keys, phone and wallet on the side table as he began to remove his tie a knock came at his door.

“Who is it?” He called out. There was next to no way for an intruder to be on this level in the building so he was confident it wasn’t anyone dangerous.

“Erm... sorry to disturb you Mitsuhide I know you’ve been busy I just wanted to...” That voice. Sweet as a bell cutting through his exhaustion.

“Princess?”

---

[sologxlaxies]

What The Water Gave Me - Part 1

Bucky x Reader series

Series masterlist  | Next Part ->

Masterlist

Summary: There was no way he could've resisted the siren’s song, but it haunted him still. Every waking moment trying to understand… to remember what had happened that day at the carnival. Make a wish, she had said, trying to earn her freedom, the water will grant it to you. None of them knew what they were getting into, tampering with magic too old to understand. But what the water gives… the water takes.

Warnings: none, I think

Word count: 1726

A/N: This is my (long overdue) submission for @rotisserierogers writing challenge! My prompt was “The water has never looked so welcoming, not before tonight.” so I hope you guys enjoy this.

Also, huge thanks to @denialanderror for helping me out and being the best, most hilarious beta ever. I foken love yeh Bumbles!

The fair was lit up with fireworks exploding against the cloudless sky in swirls of soft yellow, red and bright blue. Every explosion casting shadows against the elevated train tracks, towering over the awestruck crowds as they glanced at their surroundings and made their way through the carnival. It was all an illusion of course, one meant to trick a couple hundredths into a false sense of entertainment and keep them distracted enough to miss what lurked underneath the surface.

Places like this one always made for the most perfect hunting grounds. Something about the carnival after dark, when the people who had previously smiled at children started to curse and smoke, reveling in the shadows that became much more treacherous after nightfall. There was the inexplicable swirl and pull of energies floating around, drawing people in; luring them to do exactly what they shouldn’t for as long as the dark could shield them. Tonight, was no exception.

If anything, the air seemed different tonight; thicker, heavier. It whispered promises of something big being about to happen, and it made Steve’s skin tingle and his insides twist with every step he took towards the far corner of the carnival.

They called it the freak corner, and for good reason. It was nothing more than a total of three tents—so old and torn that it was a miracle that they were still standing—set up in the furthest corner of the fair so that the children would not end up there by accident. With gruesome exhibitions and sickly creatures on display, it was a safe haven for the undesirables; a palace built on crime with a smoke cloud of its own.

 He had no idea as to what he was doing there. Bucky had left hours ago with his girls and he already held his military form in his hands, but there was still something drawing Steve to the dark corner of the carnival. He could feel something calling, a pull deep in his bones drawing him to the back of the biggest tent, actively ignoring the looks being shot his way.

 Strangeness wasn’t something he was used to per se, other than an occasional sighting of Brooklyn’s newest eccentricities. But these tents… He couldn’t deny that there was something different going on in this carnival, but it didn’t scare him—if anything, it made him curious. And so, he’d followed his gut all the way to the little yard behind freak corner, where he now found himself staring at a water tank. But more than the sheer oddity of the tank itself, Steve found he couldn’t take his eyes off of what was inside it.

 The water was tinted with an aquamarine glow, laced with brief flashes of silver; soft green reflecting on naked arms, a torso, a face. A set of bright eyes, cheeks, nose and the softest lips that were parted just the slightest bit. Human—No, he thought, something eerily human, but not quite—and then… a tail. Curvy and sleek, all covered in shiny scales that seemed to shine in the water, the blue tone fading the closer it came to the torso until her scales practically disappeared on her skin, right below the ribs. Fish, his brain whispered, but the higher his eyes trailed over the body of the creature, the quieter that thought became. Mermaid.

 Steve blushed. Mermaid or not, he had never been in the presence of a naked woman. Or at the very least, if Bucky’s adventures were to be taken into his account, not directly in front of one. But this was not one of Bucky’s adventures; it was his, and this was—by no means—a human girl. Even if her upper body seemed to indicate the contrary.

 Heat pooled at his cheeks, making him look away for a second, taking a careful glance around him to see if this was some kind of setup, but it didn’t seem like it. It looked like the carnival was almost ready to leave tow, with crates neatly packed and most of the carts already secured with heavy chains. He made a move to leave, suddenly feeling like he was intruding in the somber junkyard as a chill ran down his back. It was only when he had taken a couple of steps away from the tank that he heard a voice, silky smooth and alluring like a kiss.

 Wait—you whispered—Please.

 Goosebumps broke over his skin at the sound of your voice inside his head, and he turned around sharply, pivoting on his heels and turning back towards the tank. The woman- the mermaid was still suspended in the water, your tail curling upwards and one of your hands pressed against the glass. But it was impossible, he reasoned with himself, to have heard you speak. There was no way that the sound could’ve come from you, not with the water and the thick glass walls of the tank, but there was something, a feeling in his gut that told him that it had been the mermaid speaking. Then it happened again.

 Help me- You were pleading now.

 Something about the pain in your voice made him do a double take, because it was so unfamiliar, so eerily inhuman that it sent his brain into overdrive as your voice, melodious and hypnotizing and laced with soft consonants he’d never heard before as it made its way to his head. There, he could feel it rattling inside his skull; locking his muscles in place and forcing him to listen even though he had barely seen your lips moving. One hand reached out to the tank, almost out of his own volition, and Steve pressed it hard against the glass, exactly where hers was splayed—palm to palm. He could feel the coolness of the water through the glass, along with something he couldn’t quite describe, but he couldn’t bring himself to pull his hand away.

 “I’m sorry I-” -He frowned, wracking his brain for an explanation of what was happening, but frustrated when he came up empty. “I don’t know what to do.”

 The wind shifted suddenly, picking debris around Steve’s ankles, and he saw your eyes widening right before you pressed your hand more firmly against the clear wall of the tank. He saw you open your mouth, and then the most beautiful sound invaded his ears.

 It sounded like a song, almost; a soft, lulling melody that had the little hairs on the back of his neck standing up like needles as a shiver ran down his spine and his limbs became pliant. It felt like floating, as his mind was clouded in the ebbing of your voice and his brain scrambled to pick up words in a language he was completely unfamiliar with, with new sounds and pitches that had him wrapped around your finger in an instant. And he could feel it too—feel himself hanging from your every sound even if he couldn’t recognize half of the words. All he knew, all he could do in that moment, was obey your command.

 “Make a wish.” It was a trap, a desperate attempt at hunting for his heart, but he didn’t have to know that; didn’t have to know that he was being played with—the only thing you could do try and escape the confines of the tank. It was going to work, you told yourself, as you sang to him—for him—and strung him along, knowing there was no resisting you. Make a wish.

 One of his hands was still pressed firmly against the glass as the other one fished a small item out of his pocket. Steve couldn’t deny you, couldn’t bring himself to do anything other than what you asked for him as he unfolded the picture and pressed it against the tank, feeling the buildup in his chest as he struggled to find the right words, until they finally came to him. “Protect him.” He pleaded, all skin and bones holding on tightly to the picture in his hand. “Bring him home alive, I don't care how much it costs.”

 You found yourself squinting in the water, staring at the image of a young man with dark hair and a chiseled jaw that made him look impossibly handsome. And for a second, you hesitated.

 There was something in this man’s voice that made you stop dead in your tracks. Maybe it was the pain, maybe it was simply the dead honesty and unadulterated fondness that he seemed to have for his friend in the picture, but it was so raw, so human, that it made your head spin for a second, and you knew you couldn’t do it; you couldn’t take this man’s heart.

Instead, you agreed.

As soon as you uttered the words, you could feel a pulse run through your body, your scales shimmering in the water as a bright thread wrapped itself around your wrist; light going straight through the glass and coiling around the man’s arm, joining your wrists together before it shimmered away as if nothing had ever happened.

“What-” He spoke again, retreating his hand as if it had been burnt. “What was that?”

“We just struck a bargain.” There was your voice in his head again, but this time, he didn’t find it as eerie. What he couldn’t understand was the sudden frown on your face. “your friend will return home from the war… or I’ll die if I can’t keep my promise.” Your eyes widened then, suddenly realizing the weight of the situation. Fulfilling the promise would earn you your freedom, but failing- Failing would mean your death; cold and dark and unforgiving. You wouldn’t be the first siren to die, failing to protect a soldier.

“How about payment?” He asked “I don’t know where to find you again-“

“You won’t remember me after today.” You said, beginning to sing the song that would erase you from his mind, along with your interactions.

He found then, that he could hear you clearly for the first time. Not a voice inside his head but a sound in his ears, slightly muffled by the water but so incredibly clear, that it would haunt him in his dreams even as his memory began to fade.

 “But I will always find you, Steve Rogers.”

Next part ->

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[army-author]

BTS as professional mermen:

Author’s note: Yes! Just... yes! I love professional mermaids! Honestly, it would be a dream job! Here are your sparkly, majestic BTS as requested 💖

Jin: “The water’s not cold, I promise” Jin encourages you from the side of the tank, flicking his silicone tail.

You giggle as you test the temperature with one foot. “Is this even allowed?”

You aren’t really meant to be here, no other people swim in this aquarium tank, apart from Jin. But when he asked you to come to his work, and to bring a swimsuit with you, how could you say no?

“Probably not, but we’ll keep it a secret,” Jin says, drifting a few inches closer to you and holding out a hand, “Come on, no one will know.”

You glance around. You are the last people in the aquarium, left to lock up after Jin’s work ends for the day.

“Okay!” Taking a breath, you jump in, and feel Jin’s arms entwine around you.

“How’s this?” he asks, when you surface, blinking.

You gaze up at him, at the ripples reflecting across his face and hair. “Magic,” you breathe, “You’re like a real-life mermaid.”

Jin smiles, proud to show you how he earns a living. “Let me take you for a swim, then you’ll see some real magic.” With an expert swish of his tail, he’s pulling you towards the deeper water, where outcroppings of fake rock and coral house tiny fish.

You let him lead you, remembering your earliest fantasies of swimming with mermaids. All of a sudden, Jin’s brought back your childhood and you couldn’t be happier to believe in magic again.

Yoongi: You’ve never seen Yoongi out of water before. All the time you’ve worked at the aquarium you’ve never once seen him without his tail, walking around on two legs. You almost believed he was a real merman, born breathing water.

It’s a shock to see him stepping out of his tank.

Curious, you stop what you’re doing and take a few seconds to stare as he shakes water from his hair and reaches for a towel.

“Something interesting you?”

You jump, realising Yoongi caught you in the act. “No, sorry, just… I don’t think I’ve ever seen you out of costume. You look strange without a…” you trail off.

“A tail?” The corners of Yoongi’s mouth twitch up to a half-smile. “Sorry to disappoint, but mermen don’t actually exist.”

You puff up your cheeks in denial. “Actually, ninety-five percent of the sea is unexplored, so there’s no way of knowing what does or does not exist.”

This garners a smile from Yoongi. “Well then, why don’t you and me take a walk after your shift ends, and you can explain all the pro-mermaid arguments to me. We can get coffee as well, if you want.”

“Like… a date?”

“Maybe,” Yoongi smirks as he walks past you towards his changing room, “Don’t take it lightly. An offer like this from me is as rare as a mermaid sighting.”    

Hoseok: Never in your life have you seen anyone move so beautifully.

He takes your breath away when you least expect it, led to find him by the curiosity that niggled you to investigate the ‘mermaid display’ highlighted in your aquarium’s handouts.

He’s swimming in his tank, entangling your heart like the seaweed that catches at his fingers and hair.

But somehow swimming isn’t the right word for this.

This is dancing.

Every movement through the water is carefully timed, performed with delicate precision, yet looking effortless. His arms flow to the rhythm of the waves, following the small coral fish that flicker through the water, flashing bright. Even his tail moves naturally, a part of him - it stirs up storms of bubbles with one swoop here, one swish there.

You step forward, enraptured. For you there is nothing else, but this man and the blue lights sprinkling through the water to catch in his hair and scales.

He catches you staring, he stares back, bleached blonde hair drifting across his dark brown gaze. Then he smiles.

Never in your life have you seen anyone smile so beautifully.

Namjoon: One of the biggest perks of Namjoon’s job as a professional mermaid is the trips abroad, bound towards tropical islands for exotic photoshoots.

And always, you’re the one he decides to bring with him, needing your company on the long-distance flights and in the hotel beds.

Again, you’re struck with wonder when you step off your most recent flight and set foot in a new country. “This is gorgeous,” you gasp, as you leave the airport, met with a wave of heat and a view of the beach.

“Isn’t it?” Namjoon grins as you run ahead to soak up the rays of the sun, arms outstretched.

You beam over your shoulder at him. “You live in a real life fairy-tale, Namjoon. You get to be a mermaid, to travel to all these beautiful places and to experience all these new cultures.”

“And don’t forget,” he adds, wheeling his suitcase forward to where you stand, bathing in the sunshine and in his bright smile, “I get the fairy-tale ending with my princess.”

“Lucky you,” you smile, stretching to steal a kiss before your taxi pulls up to take you to the hotel.

Jimin: Having a professional mermaid as your boyfriend comes with its quirks.

It means storing his waterproof make-up next to yours in the drawer, it means keeping a prosthetic tail in your closet, and it means that sometimes you’ll come home to... this:

Jimin, suited up in swimming trunks, sitting fully submerged in the bathtub, letting water crash over him.

On opening the door, you are greeted by a wave of water sloshing over the side of the tub. “Jimin, what are you doing?” With a lunge, you reach over him and turn off the tap before more water spills onto the tiled floor.

“Huh?” Jimin looks up at you, eyes cloudy, still stuck in in his own head, mentally choreographing new swimming routines.

“What are you doing?”

“Training,” he explains, “I need to get used to holding my breath for a long time.”

“There’s got to be a better way to do this,” you say, grabbing a towel which you wrap around his shoulders, “I don’t think we can make an insurance claim if it’s your fault that the floor gets water damage.”

Jimin frowns, looking down to where bath water is flowing into the cracks between the tiles. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t notice.” Then he begins to laugh. “Oh man, I’m really sorry.”

You begin laughing too. “It’s fine.”

Then he reaches out to you, and you scream as he wraps his wet arms around you, pulling you into a sopping hug. “I’ll clean this up now, okay?”

Taehyung: Going to the swimming pool with Taehyung is never a normal experience.

He always wants to play, splashing in the water, and trying out new moves for his routine as a professional merman.

No matter how much you insist that you’re fine sitting at the edge watching him, he always finds a way to get you involved.

Today is no different. He’s determined to get you in the water. From your spot, sat by the pool, you laugh as you watch his shape gliding below the surface, moving towards you. He stops at the spot where your feet dangle over the pool’s edge, grazing the water. He’s waiting. Shaking your head, you turn your gaze away, pretending not to notice him, until at last: he pounces! With a roar and a cascade of droplets, his arms wrap around you and he pulls you down with a splash.

You scrunch your eyes shut, and feel his grip around your waist tighten, supporting you underwater. Then his lips are brushing your eyelids, your cheeks, down to your lips – a secret kiss, shared underwater, out of the view of curious swimmers.

Then he lets you go, and you both surface, giggling, before you squirt him with water. Serves him right. Another kiss quickly puts things right, and all is forgiven.

Jungkook: Inspiration is hard to find. With an art project due in seven days, but nothing stirring your passions, you find yourself at a loss. No muse has come to you, no sparkling dreams or dazzling epiphanies – just the mundane and the boring. You can’t paint mundane or boring.

Stuck in a rut, you decide to do what you always do when you’re lost: go to the aquarium. The cool blue hues and flashing scales of exotic fish always give you a chance to clear your head, opening up the door for passion to sneak in – a maddening fever, an itching to create.

But this time, the inspiration you find doesn’t come in the form of lazy drifting jellyfish, or slow-gliding sting rays. Instead, it’s a pair of human eyes that entice you, sparkling behind a layer of glass and water:

A merman, at least, for those breif moments in the tank he is. As he moves through the molten-silver water, you start believing in your childish fantasies again. Mermen really do exist. Here’s one now, born in the form of Jungkook, who you are convinced came into this world with the red scales of his tail kissing his waist, and pink coral stuck to his honey golden skin.

Fumbling in your bag for your sketch book, you find a quiet corner where you can sit down and sketch him. You’ve finally found your muse.

! I did not make the gifs !

[nayrusfountain]

Simply Human

His raspy shaky breath caught in his throat, the sensation of pulling air into his refined lungs feeling completely alien to him... His body had shrunk, but that is the least of his worries...Pure white scales molted away as he shifts his appearance against his will, giving way to pale light skin. Every fin on his once shark like body completely phase out of existence, with nothing to replace them. He hesitantly look down at his shaky hands with wide startled eyes as his scales peel off of his fingers, sprinkling the metal floor like flakes of new fallen snow. The fingers shorten with the rest of him, and his blue claws cracked off as new, growing nails push them out forcefully in their place. He felt the sharp teeth in his mouth is all but gone now, instead there were blunted and squared, more suitable to grinding plant matter... Mikau wanted to scream, but his voice came out distorted and horribly wrong in his ears...Wait, what happen to his ears?! He reach to stroke where his dangling fin had been on the side of his head...now there were an elf like ear instead, twitching with a soft jingle as he gingerly felt them. As he did, he grew startled as he felt something soft and furry tickling his scaleless fingers, and he realize instantly that it was hair. His hair. He need not to be a rocket scientist to figure out that obvious trivia. Laughing cackle from all direction, mocking him as he dwell in his confusion. It was at the moment that panic overwhelm his rational thinking. With little regard of his new physical form, Mikau instinctively leaped into the pool of water in the lab, disappearing into its blue depths. He suck in the water through his mouth, and instantly regretted it. His eyes widen, wild with fear as his limbs kick and flail frantically, and muffle screams gurgle out of his mouth as the ex-Zora hurry back to the surface. His lungs scream angrily at him, cursing him for his foolish actions as the reality that his gills are gone ram him hard. An explosion of liquid crystals shatter into the air as he practically jump back onto the cold metal floor of the room. He flop heavily to the floor, trending water and heaving painfully as he heard the people laughing at him again. A puny blubbery creature came forward and tap his shoulder. It was grayish blue in color, with a round funny face, tiny polished pebbles for eyes, and a small dorsal fin on the back of its head with a grin that never shifts. It basically looks like a bipedal Irrawaddy Dolphin. When he glare up at her, she presented him with a mirror, her smile never leaving. Mikau angrily snatch the object out of her grasp and look into its reflective glass. What greeted him was the face of a man. Mikau's eyes grew in size and he nearly drop the mirror in his shock. His head was cover in white hair and side burns cascade in front of his ears, with strings and bangs casting shadows over his now cerulean eyes, rimmed with whites around the pools of blue. His skin tone is a pale light shade, and his inner ears had extended out of his skull in a slender elfin fashion. What in Nayru's name did they do to him...?! "How you like your new look Zora?" "Screw you," he spat, his voice dripping with venom. Oh how he wish he still had his claws, fangs and fins. Then he'll gladly rip each of their insides out and hang them with their own intestines! "Be nice, sharky!" she growl crazily, whipping out a surgical knife to his face. She wave it around as one would with their finger, eyeing the use to be Zora with the same unsettling grin. "Not what we wanted; you should've been dolphin like us, but its good enough! Next is your girly friend. She be a pretty mammal too!" "Touch her and I'll fu-!!" "Shut up fishy!" Slash! "Ah!" Mikau's head's forcefully slam against the floor, stunned as he try to make sense of what just occur. A warm liquid trickle down his cheek under his right blue eye, smearing his skin red. He reach with his fingers and pull back to see it was coated in a thin layer of blood as it continue cascading from his slashed cheek. A growl radiated from his throat, coming off as awkward and nonthreatening compare to a Zora's more animalistic noises. "You son of a..." "Son? You mean daughter," she giggled as she did a little dance, stroking the blood soaked blade nonchalantly. "You stupid shark! Always resorting to violence to solve your problems. 'Oh! I mad! Imma bite people and watch them bleed and die!' You so naughty! We trying to help you! Give you better life and purpose. That's what we're here to do; to correct Nayru's mistake and you came out beautifully. Be a good little human, and no bloodshed from me. Kay?" "Don't call me that! I'm a Zora! And don't say such garbage about my species. Who are you to play Goddess by meddling with her creation? Everything exist for a reason, and sharks are vital to the ecosystem to keep the ocean healthy. Stop spreading racial bullshit about sharks just because of your paranoia." "He has delusion. So sad...boo hoo!" The dolphin like thing gave a loving pet to his snow white hair before trotting happily over a frozen Lulu surrounded by more of the mammalian sea creatures. The Malletila Zora stare straight into his eyes, her voice caught in her throat as if trying to say something. The little dolphin creature stop in front of her with the same insane smile beaming from her rubbery face. "Hello!" "Hey..." Lulu murmur absently, adverting her gaze as a wave of cackling echo throughout the small lab. She cringe and gave a low hiss in response. The last thing she wants right now was to associate with these giggling freaks. "Hissy shark. Very hissy," the she dolphin tsked as she materialize a slender glass tablet in her hands from seemingly nowhere. It pulsed with radiating magic as holographic data file up on the touch screen. "Let's see your species' criminal status so we can fix you, shall we?" "Please don't. All I want to do is be with Mikau right now," muttered Lulu as she look back at Mikau. The poor male seems completely out of it despite his outbursts, trying to get up from his shaky knees as he topple over clumsily. "Nonsense! I need to gather vital information to further help you overcome your breed's psychopathic instincts. We're not trying to be mean at all. We just what you to be happy with yourself." "I do not need help!" Lulu yelled sternly, her beautiful fins flagging in anger as her fangs flash. She caught glimpse of Mikau's reaction, the ex-Zora perking considerably from his kneel position and his new elf like ears twitching to her voice. "Right...Now let's see here. Ah! The marvelous Malletila Zora; descendants of the Hammerhead line, the Sphyrnidae family. Habitats: Tropical waters! Yay! I mean no! That's bad! Anyway...Malletila Zoras are timid shark people and only mildly aggressive when disturbed, but attacks are extremely rare. That's good. Out of the 9 species only three had been known to attack people...Great, Smooth, and Scallop variants...Uh oh." "Oh no." Lulu backed away with a warning glare, aware that her Great Hammerhead lineage is going to get her in deep trouble. "It seems your kind is bit naughty," The freak chuckle deviously, getting uncomfortably close to Lulu's nose. Lulu had to resist the urge to strike her stupid round face away from hers. "What else do I have to say on your evil breed? The fact that you're all cannibals!? Ha! Hammerhead Sharks are known to eat their own pups; what are the chances of their Zoran equivalent preforming the same atrocity?" A crazy grin reveal the creature's sharp conical teeth. "And I bet you eat dolphins like us too..." Swoosh! "AIEEE!!!!" The beakless bipedal dolphin squeal bloody murder as a stream of blood splay out of her now shredded face, covering her wounds with her hands. She drop the frail tablet in her agonizing distress, the magical device shattering into thousands of tiny glass shards and magic bursting in a ball of hot white light. She topple to her side with hard thud, screeching in high pitched squeals not unlike her cetacean brethren. Lulu scramble to her flippers and leaped over the injured...thing....and dash over to Mikau's side, grabbing his arm as she help him to his feet. Her left clawed hand was soaked in glistening crimson, the crazy lady's blood. "Damn...The way you bury your claws into her fat face was satisfying," Mikau whistle as he stumble a bit, pleased to see the creature in pain. His weak legs felt like gelatin, bucking slightly as he fights to stand erect. Lulu allow him to fall into her soft pearly body, the welcoming coolness of her glassy scales easing his troubles. He saw his unfamiliar face reflecting off of her body, shuddering at the idea of being trap in this body forever. He couldn't bare to live like this for the rest of his life honestly. This boring, unimpressive terrestrial creature with an ego bigger then their fully develop brains; there is nothing more rewarding then being born a magically gifted Zora and ruling a magical world many would never dream of. He likes humans enough, for instance Kafei is one of his closest Hylian friends, and he loves hanging out with the Sheikah, his favorite breed for they share a lot in common with Zoran Heroes. But living as one? No thank you!   "Savages!" A male creature howl in fury, coal black eyes blazing. He has the face of a striped dolphin, beak and everything, and his humanoid body is mostly the color of moon frost streaked with rivers of silvers. He is also well build, smooth slick blubber that express a fair amount of muscles. Fairly good looking for someone that looks like he's wearing a goofy, black duck beak. The striped dolphin thing cast a hateful glare directly at Lulu, taking a menacing step towards the Zoran lovers while the rest of the mammal-things scramble for their non lethal weapons such as teasers as they help their downed comrade. "Naughty creature! Bad creature! How dare you mistreat my sweet Lianna, you feral fish brained brute! You need a big time out!" "Hey dumbass, maybe if your annoying girlfriend wasn't being a total b!tch and invading her personal privacy, and committed witch crafting to turn me into a human of sorts, she wouldn't had felt incline to cut her face up! The dumb chick was basically asking to be attacked by us 'savages' at that point. Piss off and leave us alone!" Mikau defended, getting ready take on the male as he stood before Lulu protectively. He tentatively usher Lulu to back up with him as he shield her from the crazed creature's seething glare, and the mob of the mutated beasts juggle over the pair in quick fleeting prances, surrounding them. Teasers and electric prods cackled dancing, explosive neon, their intelligent eyes glowing madly. For the first time in a long time, Mikau felt primal fear shallow his courage as he stood at their mercy, spreading his arms in vain attempt to protect Lulu. His newly refined heart thump heavily in his chest, knowing that as he is now he is no match to challenge these quick and crafty cetacean people. More likely, he will fall, and they'll have their sadistic ways. But he has to protect Lulu. No matter the cast. The dolphin man, blinded by his rage, unleashed an madden feral roar and charge straight into the couple screaming, "This is for Lianna!" "Kill!" Lianna hiss in an almost demonic way, a sadistic bloody grin exposing her rusted tainted teeth. She crane her neck back and laugh maniacally as the blood drizzle down her face. "Kill! Kill!" The air in the room soon echo with the word "kill" being repeated as the rest of the cetacean people chanted out the phrase with her. The dolphin man lunge for the fish folks, his neck outstretch as he intends to ram them with his hard beak. Mikau spring forth, diving under the enrage creature and swinging up into his stomach. The dolphin was violently jerked backward and and the two males roll and tumble across the metal flooring. The mammal spring to his flippers instantly and roar wildly as he leap over the ex-Zora for his female friend. Mikau quickly recover and swiftly swung his leg into the rampaging creature's ankle, causing the craze male to drop heavily to the floor. The dolphin grew angrier, and without warning spun around and propel himself to Mikau instead, his beak open to bite his assaulter. Mikau duck and roll out of harms way and the dolphin was met with a mouth full of air. Growling, unleashed a shrill high pitch squeal, and as if on command, the rest of the cetacean people rush for Lulu in a chorus of loud whistling and obnoxious chirps that sounds more like sick birds being butcher in the slaughter. "Mik!" Lulu cry as she swung her claws and sank her teeth into their blubbery skins, shaking her head wildly to twist the flesh beneath. She yelp and growl, turning and chasing after them as she snap and lash at the offending creatures. They jump at her with artificial shocks of their teasers or ram her with their iron hard beaks, pushing her forcefully into the wall as they dug their own teeth his her scaly skin. Creature after creature hammer her into the without letting her recover, only leaping back when she viciously rake their faces and tear chunks of blubber in between her wickedly sharp fangs. The metal began to indent as they bury her further and harder into the wall, laughing insanely as they listen to her squeals of distress. "No!" Mikau push himself forward as he rush to her rescue, but felt his frail body pinned painfully to the ground as the dolphin man trap him under his grasp. Mikau squirm desperately to break free of his iron grip, but his strength is too inferior in this form to properly fight back. "Release me you freak!" Out of nowhere, the scarlet coated face of Lianna suddenly pop into his view, blood still pouring out of her wounds at an alarming rate. Ugly claw marks plague her shimmering blue-grey face as the crimson liquid drench her chin and jaws, drooling from her mouth as she grin. "Beautiful boy. She is impure. Must be dealt with before she cause more bloodshed. After we beat her to bloody plump, we heal her with enlightenment and perfection. You will understand soon enough." "No! I don't care about this 'perfection' you speak of! Just let her go and keep me instead! Or I'll kill you both in cold blood if I have to." "You still dare to oppose me? After what we've done for you?" her male friend boom as he press down on the scrawny humanized shark. "You are a weak little human; a mistake in our experimental hexing ritual. The way you are now, you're only going to end up seriously hurt or dead. Give up already. Its not worth it." "I don't care. Lulu is special to me. I may have lost my previous body, but my Zoran spirit burns strong. I'll protect her even if it means I'll lose to you. Please let me fight for her. Its too painful to watch..." "And yet you think its fine to spread pain onto others? You think it wasn't painful for me to watch that wretch damage my mate's face? You vile creature! All of you sharks are the same! Only thinking of yourselves and expressing your sadistic, bloodthirsty nature onto other creatures. If anything, this is justice being serve! And what can you do as of now, you whelp? A weak, insignificant little insect that are humans? Until we send you to rehabilitation and preform better spells, you are nothing but a cockroach to us." Mikau stop struggling and look at his free hand, his arm twisted in an odd angle. A small noise came out of his mouth, his gaze anything but happy. No blue claws or winter scales, but in their place weak nails and soft skin which is useless in relation to the situation. The hurting is much more evident as a human, whereas his Zoran self have a higher tolerance to pain, being of a fighting breed. But above all that, he felt an unfamiliar weight to him, and he knew that it was because his skeleton had trade cartilage for bone, which is denser... A spark flew through his cerulean gaze, and as he glance up to notice the pair giggling giddily to themselves as they watch Lulu kick out at one of their demented friends. The cheerful Malletila Zora is no push over; she'll valiantly fight back if she has to and this is clear as day as she grab hold of another dolphin creature in her claws and struck her hammerhead skull against its crown (a weapon often use by her breed.) The humanoid animal squeal as it tumble back holding its forehead, and Lulu gradually pull herself from the dented wall and pants at the now wary cetacean people. After dealing a decent round of punishment to them despite their frequent attacks, Lulu manage to give the mammals second thoughts of blindly charging her. Many of them bled from deep cuts and gashes across their faces and adornment, some were even limping or whimpering. They whistle to each other, clicking out various tones in their strange language. The stripe dolphin holding the ex-Zora down beam, chirping to Lianna as he directed his authority to the pod. "Don't be discourage my friends. She's just one mindless shark while you're an army of highly intellectual beings. Give her your worst." "Yes please," sang Lianna playfully, eager to see the female Zora suffer. 'Now's my chance,' Mikau mentally said. In a flash of a second, he thrust his finless arm backward towards the man holding him captive. His elbow dug into the stripe dolphin's stomach, the bones providing extract force to the impact. The sea mammal gasp in shock and release his hold on Mikau, rolling on to his side in pain. Lianna screech in disbelief and anger, lunging for the white haired human. Mikau duck and sprinted towards Lulu, pushing past the startle creatures as they whine and squeal. Lulu's heart flutter with joy as she open her arms. Mikau jump into her welcoming embrace and nuzzle into her chest, the female Zora spinning him around in their brief moment of bliss together Its funny being the one to be lifted off his feet like this when it had always the other way around, being naturally taller then her (Sylovaakiens are normally a towering 12 ft while Malletilas are 8 to 9 ft, dwarf by the former.) He gave her a quick satisfying peck on the lips before being set back down by her, turning their sights on the boiling rage building up within the cetacean pair. They have little time to rejoice, for they must find a means of escape. Lianna nuzzle her partner, squeaking softly as he dwell in his agony. She turn her hateful eyes back to the Zoran couple, bouncing up and down immaturely. "No fair! You cheat! You dummy dumb dumbs! Now you leave me no choice! I'm going to unleash my super ultra sonic means of wavy doom! Prepare to beeee....nullified!" Mikau and Lulu back away, this time with Lulu standing protectively over her boyfriend's small frame. They had an idea what this "super ultra sonic means of wavy doom" actually is. Cetacean are famous for their echolocation, and they had seem some use it as weapons against shark firsthand...Its most likely how they ended up in these guys' clutches; one moment an awkward face to face confrontation with this psycho specifically while minding their business, and the next thing they knew they woke up with major headaches in their cold lab. The room around once again rang with laughter, and the chorus gradually grew in volume as the beakless female's eyes grew wilder and dark. Suddenly the only door to the room slid open, and a larger dolphin man waded through but stop and blink by the doorway. He looks like a bipedal orca, sharing the coloration and dorsal fin on his back. He stand 14 ft tall, very imposing looking. Unlike the smaller abominations, he seems to be mentally stable as his bronze eyes held a calm and relax demeanor despite his surprise. When he spoke, a row of sharp tawny gold teeth neatly line his mouth, and a spotted tongue lays within. "Lianna, Nixon, what is the meaning of this? This isn't right! You're not suppose to torture our guests! We're here to help them reach a new positive life through healthy means. How would they accept our society with open arms if you treat them so poorly?" The room seem to grow eerily silent. Lulu and Mikau watch as the cetacean people stood there, as if realizing their blindsided mistake. However, they dwell little on the creatures' thought process for they practically flew for the open doorway without a moment's hesitation. They swift darted past the orca and race down the hallway, pressing faster and faster against the hard metallic floor. They ran so fast that their feet barely touch the ground as they merge into a fleeting blur for random cetacean scatter around the facility. Mikau pants as he try his best not to leave Lulu behind, knowing how clumsy of runners Zoras make. As a human, Mikau's feet gain more traction, allowing him to sprint faster then he ever have in his life on land. A rush of icy air suddenly chilled them to their cores, but they press on running, never looking back. They blaze through the snow, slipping through the ice as flakes of frigid breath of winter sheered their faces, but still they ran. They ran and ran, never stopping, never turning. They just blasted through the dark blue woods, startling animals into hiding as they rain through shimmering threads of beautiful frozen dewdrops draping like delicate curtains from the branches. Blue fairies lit the forest as they cluster the crusty shrubs and treetops like fireflies, lighting their way through the night. The glow of the city beam from the distant valley, its Clock Tower emitting a beacon for all who lost their way... *** Mikau and Lulu finally slow to a brisk trot as they trudge down the icy street of a well off neighborhood, the streetlights stretching their shadows as they pass by. The shine of their brightness reflected off the slick black ice that froze over the sidewalk they roam on, causing the pair to slip and slide as they continue marching on. Many of the houses were fairly lit, and plumes of fluffy smoke rose from the chimneys indicating the inviting warmth of the indoors. Decorations for the upcoming holidays grace the houses in bushy greens, ribbon reds, and blinking colors as tiny lights strewn across the windows and hangs from roofs and porches. Snowmen would occasionally greet the pair as they past by the yards, and once in a while a dog could be heard barking into the night. One of the Moons shone crisply like a silver sickle in the black, smoky sky, faith glimmers of stars seen twinkling beyond the flurries next to it. Mikau lag behind as he struggle to keep himself warm, hugging himself feebly as his breath converted into frost laced crystals. The only protection he wore was a old trashy t-shirt with cartoonish dolphins on it and tight, ripped sweatpants the cetacean gave him at some point, mostly after his transformation when he was still knocked out. It looks like something they just dug out of the trash so they can cover his exposed dignity, but honestly he wouldn't be surprise as that is mostly the case base given its appalling smell. Lulu meanwhile didn't seem bothered by the cold, her scales insulating some heat during the sunny day to keep her mildly comfortable. She look back at the under dress human, concern laced in her facial features as she confronts her friend. "Oh Mikau, just hold on a little longer. We're almost at Kafei's house. He'll know what to do." "I-I hope so..." Mikau murmur as he cast his eyes to his buckling knees, ready to to drop from the cold and exhaustion. He cough hoarsely, rubbing his throat in pain. "I'll get hypothermia if-if I don't t-t-turn back to my Zoran self. I don't want to be a human forever." "Don't be so rough on your appearance." She giving him a soft hug. She pet his soft hair as she continues. "I think you're cute as a little human." "Babe, you find everything cute...N-not that I blame you." "I mean it though. You're quite the looker as a tiny person. You're adorable!" "Oh Lu," Mikau sigh as he bury into her, half for warmth, half out of affection. There is truly no other girl in the world that he rather be with then with his mate. But in midst of their embrace, he something was off with Lulu, an eerie silence falling on her as her eyes grew dark and concern. "Lulu? What's wrong? You're not hurting from the attack are you?" "Mikau," Lulu breathe, trying to muster up her courage as she carry on. "When I was being ram into the wall of the laboratory, I heard it; I heard the yells and cries of distress Zoras on the other side." "What?" Mikau pull away from her with such a bewildered expression, such surprise as it flash across his blue eyes. Worry soon wash over him. "Are you sure there were others?" Lulu quickly nodded. "Yes. I heard them yelling and squealing from their side. They said things like 'Another one?!' They're torturing her!' 'Leave her alone you warm blooded freaks!' But what really caught my ears were these one sentences; 'How many innocent shark Zoras in Termina are they going to kidnap and turn into dolphin people? They need to understand that our kind matters just as much as any stupid sea mammal!' Mik, there were more Zoras then just the two of us back there. They are all shark Zoras like us, I knew this much by that last quote. They're trying to erase sharks off the earth by replacing them with their own kind." "Oh Goddesses...Its coming back to me. Sharks and dolphins had been mortal enemies since the beginning of time. The instinctual hatred must've carry over in the cetacean people's own evolution line. That's why they were so eager to put us through their little experiment against our will. They want to 'fix' us to avoid competition. Paranoid freaks. I never thought I'd hate a group of dolphins this much, especially since the ones in our oceans had coexisted peacefully with domestic sharks. We can live in harmony if they just give us the chance." "Sadly, they are too blinded by their mammalian superiority complex to care. They see fish as unintelligent and lacking of any real feelings. They'll only continued committing these unspeakable crimes as they come in contact and collect more breeds of shark Zoras." "All the more reason to find Kafei and turn me back then. I'll give them a good asswhipping and serve them to our pet sharks. Come on. Let's find Kafei' house." *** Kafei lean back comfortably in his couch as he read his book, the fire crackling and popping softly in front of him. Sprinkle of glistening snow flutter down from the outside world beyond the foggy window next to him, the lights from houses across from his barely pouring into his living room. He bundle himself with a velvety raspberry robe that match his plush carpet. The golden flames before him danced and licked briskly at the protective barrier of the fireplace as the sparks and embers glowed with an alien hue. By his bunny slippered feet was a Keaton, resting quietly on the rug as it snore. It had its head on its paws, its face masked with a peaceful expression as is side breathes steady, its fluffy tails curled around its body like a blanket. Kafei's mother was understandably never keen on allowing wild animals into the house for safety concern like diseases or attacking, always telling her son to respect their space and admire them from their backyard. The large yard borders a small wooded area where Clock Town's domestic animal and Pokemon residents (smuggle into the realm for illegal pet trades) likes to hang out with their wilder counterparts. Wild critters would pop up on their property all the time through a hole in the fence his father fail to fix up, and his mommy was quite stern when she wants minimal interacting between him and "vermin". But despite her warnings that doesn't stop him from sneaking his little "pet" in when they weren't around. He known the Keaton for years, remembering when the curious fox approach him and Anju during a festival as he wore the Keaton mask. Obviously it was smitten with him for that reason and began a series of it following him around and asking for attention. He started to feed and play with it, and the two had share a strong bond since. A knock on the door pulled him out of the novel he was reading, and he saw his Keaton sleepily raise its head, its eyes still close as it whimper quietly to itself. Just when he was in the most suspenseful part of the plot too! Annoyed with the abrupt interruption, Kafei speed walk over to the door and try not to glare into the peephole. When he comprehend who was standing outside, cover in shimmering scales that brim like opal, he felt his heart skip a beat and butterflies crashing blindly in his stomach. Immediately he undid the padlock and nearly swung the door open. And swirl of powdery snow wisp into the warm house, chilling his skin as it yank his robe back forcefully, revealing an Indigo-Go's boxers that he wore. Kafei squeal like a startled puppy as he try to hurriedly cover himself, his blood red eyes wide as he smile stupidly in his visitor's direction. Lulu held her hand to her as she struggle to surpass her giggle, watching the little elf eared human quickly cover himself as his face grew a hot red. She felt Mikau huddling up to her, peering into the tempting warmth of his house with a longing expression. Lulu clear her throat. "Oh Kafei! Let's ignore that little moment and get to the point. Can we come in?" "Sure!" nodded Kafei with a bright smile. "Anything for a frie-" His crimson sights landed on the under dress person latch onto her silky smooth frame, the man shivering so violently he could hear his teeth clattering. The poor...Hylian? Sheikah?...had frost lacing his snowy white hair, and his skin had turn pale with a tinge of blue from the cold. "Oh my Goddesses Lulu! Who's this sad bloke? And is he poorly dressed in this weather?" "I-its a l-l-long story," Mikau murmur, struggling to speak as his throat became scratchy and irritated. "Wait, Mikau?!" Kafei blink as he step back in shock, his eyes suddenly wild as he recognize his voice. The only thing different was that it lacked the elegant aquatic trill of a Zora. "What the hell-?" "Y-yes, We know. Looong s-st-story. Please let us in already. I'm dying out here. My ass is freezing off!" "Yep, that's Mikau all right," Kafei commented half humorously as he allow the two into his house. Lulu picked up Mikau and carry him in as Kafei locked the door behind them. In the position he is in now, Mikau felt both embarrass for being whisk around like a little pet. The last time he was carry around like this was several years ago, and before that was roughly a decade ago. It was Darmani who had carry him that last time in response to the daredevil Zora having twisted his ankle after skiing down Snowhead. The Goron had to struggle across the mountain just to get his scaly rear to the nearest hospital. Now, here he is, being cradle like a newborn tadpole as Lulu snuggle him in her arms. She keeps saying things like "Who makes a cute little human? You! You're so cute!" and pet names. Zoras sometimes see humans as pets, and vice versa. Though humans tend to be sensitive with being called animals even if that makes zero sense since they ARE animals like Zoras, though not in the same sense as his fish brethren. Lulu rub her nose against his, and Mikau remember that his electro-sensitivity, a trait unique to sharks of all kind, was no more. He no longer felt the tingling sensation that he pleasures when Lulu and him rub their sensitive noses together. But that didn't stop him from closing his eyes with and trying to purr in delight. He nuzzle into the nape of her neck, curling into a ball as he try to take in the warmth of the living room. Lulu's fins were wrap around him protectively, trying to provide extra warmth as she scooted onto the couch. She carefully lay Mikau on the cushion, stroking his velvety hair as she cuddle onto him. Kafei trotted over the the next room over and quickly reappear with a bundle of blankets in his arms. He usher the female away and cover the humanized Zora under the thick soft covers. Mikau breathe a sigh of relief and duck his head underneath, disappearing completely as he shuffle to absorb its warmth and get comfortable. "Thanks pal," he smiled, satisfied with the comforting blankets as the fire slowly heat him up. He bundle himself up and nuzzle into its cozy embrace blowing playfully at the little Keaton as it came to inspect him. The golden three tailed fox whine happily and it gave him quick licks with a tiny pink tongue as the ex-Zora tickle its cheeks. "No problem. But I have so many questions regarding your little....er..." "Transformation?" The couple both quoted in unison. "Yeah, that. I mean-What the freaking hell? How and why did you become human?" "There was an unusual incident that occurred today," Lulu began as she stroke Mikau's head. "We were 'invited' to participate in a program geared towards Zoras, specifically those of the shark family. Turns out we were abducted to be part of some bizarre experiment to turn us into bipedal sea mammals." Kafei's crimson eyes grew large and held his hand up to briefly silence her. "Wait a minute. Bipedal sea mammals? Were those the freaky things that pop up in Clock Town a few week ago? Nobody would shut up about these humanoid animals since." "Y-yeah. And they're freaking obnoxious," Mikau growl as he was reminded of the dolphin people's unholy existence. "What do you know 'bout them?" "I'll tell you what I know. They are not native here in Termina. In fact the marine biologist Dr. Mizumi found out that they came from the distant seas of a country called Holodrum, which is in another dimension altogether. Apparently there are no Zoras there, and they rule as the dominate species of their ocean domain unopposed. Ever since they found a way to Termina, Zoras had been disappearing left and right at an alarming rate, all who are shark Zoras like you guys. I keep hearing it on the news and work. Many Zoras are on edge because of those creatures." "Another dimension? You've got to be kidding me..." Mikau groan inwardly. "And in an effort to turn me into one of them, the stupid female creature read the wrong spell book and turn me into a defenseless little person instead. If they're going to turn Zoras into members of their own races, at least be competent enough to do their job. Like really. I don't even know what breed of elf-eared human am I. There's Gerudo, Sheikah, Hylian, Lokomo, Cobble and Twili. Obviously Twili are out of the picture since they evolved separately from the main branch and are radically different from any other members of your species to the point they look like aliens. I don't have the sunburned color of a Gerudo, so that's ruled out too. Maybe I'm a Sheikah given the hair? They do traditionally have white and blond hair after all." "No, you're just a Hylian," Kafei said as he point in the direction of Mikau's newly develop ears. "You see, elfin humans have slight variants of our pointed ears depending on the race. Though because of its minor alteration, it is not noticeable among regular humans and non-humans like you guys unless you really look at them. Hylians have slightly broader ears, while Sheikah ears are slender. To make my next statement really count, all Sheikah have blood red eyes. It is a specific trait that only exist among Sheikah and Sheikah hybrids. Its what defines us as the Shadow Folks." He finished off with a gesture to his own almond shaped eyes, the blood coloration betraying his lineage as a descendant of the ninja people. His grandmother from his father's side was a pure blooded Sheikah, and thus Kafei had inherited the traditional eye genetics of her people. Though he still has more qualities of a Hylian then a Sheikah.     "Aw, that's kinda disappointing. Sheikah are my favorite because they remind me of my own species in so many ways. We share some things in common, and it gives me even more of an excuse to kick those freaks' blubbery asses in the most epic moveset imaginable. Not that there's anything wrong with Hylians." "No problem. I recon that since you obviously had a bad day, you want to get back at those guys and turn back into a Zora?" "We both want to get back at them," Lulu nodded. "With the knowledge we learned, Mikau and I agree that with the combine forces of the authorities we shall avenge our fellow Zoras and punish those giggling lunatics harshly. But at the state he's in now, Mikau cannot take them on. He has no defenses, and can easily be overpowered by the much larger dolphin folk. And you know how Mikau is not one to sit back in a fight. That and he is getting sick from the cold. We were hoping you know of a way to turn him back to normal. You are very savvy with how to solve other people's problems." Kafei click his tongue, ruffling the fur of his Keaton as it nudge his hand with its snout. "Well lucky you, this race change, magic or not, is completely reversible, so you're in luck. However there is only one person that I know that has the power to change you back...and I don't think you'll like the concept of the idea very much." "Who is it? I'm willing to meet them if it means turning back into a Zora again," Mikau said with a cough, getting annoyed at the feeble state he's plunging into. Kafei seem to hesitate, then, in a meek voice utter the following. "The Great Fairy of North Clock Town." ... ... ...Silence... "Oh! Um of coarse," Lulu laugh awkwardly, looking at Mikau's direction. His face was a mixture of complete horror and disgust. She never seen such lively expressions on his face before, all thanks to his Hylian transformation which allows his emotions to be that much clearer. "No way. I think I can get use to a human lifestyle instead. Being a human is suddenly not so bad." "Oh come on guys! I know she's famous for being a little...suggestive...flirty and maybe overly skimpy...but she can really help you regain your true form back. Don't you want to be a Zora again? You ALWAYS boast how amazing Zoras are and how proud you are to be born as one. Besides you can't stay like that forever. What about your lifestyle as a musician? Your career and millions of adoring fans? You're a Zora! Think of your friends waiting for you back at sea. Think of Lulu. You can't have any of this looking like that." Mikau took a longing look to Lulu at the mention of her name. Their eyes met, and he knew deep inside that he want nothing more then to be by her side for an eternity and more. Those beautiful, haunting orbs of magenta shining against her pearly white body. The lilac/indigo tinge of her crown and rims of her wing-like fins. Her curvy hourglass frame. The glittering scales that gleam like opal in the light of the fire. She is the definition of perfection and he knew that life would be hard living away from her. He needs her, and he knew that she needed him too. They were more then mere band mates. They were more then simply mates... "You're right. I need to get my form back not only for the ass kicking I'll commit upon those ocean rejects, but for the sake of my friends. When should we go to the see her?" "Tomorrow," Kafei answered pointing his finger to the clock mounted onto the fireplace. The time signified 10:00 pm, a little late to go out and about especially at this time of year. "The snow's set to settle sometime in the night, and the roads should be plowed by the time we head out. I know you're a little ill, but I already been told by my parents to watch over the house for the weekend while they are away, and too not invite people over. I promise though her shrine is in the park only a couple blocks from here. We should arrive there in a few minutes of foot." "Well I guess we're stuck here for the night huh?" Mikau said as he smile at Lulu. She smirk softly, bopping his nose with her own yet again. "I suppose so," confirm Kafei warmly. "My mom and dad won't be coming back til Monday morning. But I don't mind having company tonight; they don't have to know anyway. I was getting a little lonely today and was thinking of inviting Anju tomorrow. I'm glad you guys decided to stop by, though I know for a fact you two must be tire from your little adventure. There's a guest room that you can use tonight. Its down the hall to the left of the stairs." "Thank you Kafei," Lulu bowed politely, picking Mikau up in her arms. He felt heavier with the thick bundles wrapping around his weak frame, but she did not mind. Kafei got up and escorted them to their temporary room, his Keaton padding along besides him. The travel through the dining room and past the stairs where they came across a lovely little bedroom inviting them in. Lulu set Mikau down and brush his hair away from his eyes, planting a soft kiss to his forehead. Never had she kissed a human before, and his skin felt so... Soft and tender. "If you need anything, give me a call ok? In the meantime I'll prepare some nourishing soup for Mikau's cold and a nice batch of milkberry tea." Kafei quoted and the pair nodded delightfully. He smile as he quietly shut the door, and his muffle footstep journey to the kitchen in preparation of the beverages. Mikau invited Lulu to lay next to him, patting on the open space on the queen sized bed. She gladly crawl in and they curl into each other's arms closing their eyes. Mikau felt so much better knowing that Lulu is with him. Even as a human, he knows that their future will remain bright and positive for years to come. The hardships they endure had only strengthen their spiritual bond for each other, and now, as he awaits the arrival of Din's Dawn to smite Nayu's Night, his human heart thump against her beating chest. And he sigh as he drifted off in her embrace. Beating an unbreakable musical rhythm. Between human and Zora.

Oh my gosh I’m sorry this came so freaking late. But I had no choice but to write a Fanfiction out of the blue because the prompt for that day was "human" and trust me my human drawing skills is atrocious to say the least. I had to write something instead, and I just made up this ridiculous story as I went along. I remember reading a Ratchet and Clank story long ago in which Ratchet woke up as human instead of a Lombax and was deeply confused. That became my inspiration and it help me get through this story. I wanted Mikau to go through a similar thing by waking up as a Hylian rather then a simple alternate universe where the characters are just randomly humans. I think it fits better in terms of the Zelda universe. Spoilers!: If Zelda can turn into a Sheikah with magic, why not expand upon the race changing concept? 

Hope you don’t mind!  

[myseareels]

Chasing Winter Silver

On a blustery and damp Monday night in February, I find myself searching for silver. The ‘Tamar Tarpon’ (I unfortunately can’t take credit for that excellent nickname) aka the Atlantic herring, rumoured to be in the river in huge numbers. An LRF angling opportunity on my doorstep I’d be a fool to miss. Not one to sit bored watching television, I ready the rod and make my way to the river.

I don’t fish the Tamar often enough, it’s the river that divides Devon and Cornwall neatly almost the entirety of the border. The lower reaches and the mouth of this river are only a two minute walk from my house, yet in my own desire for wilder climbs I often ignore it. Not this night though, tonight I’m embracing my local, if not exactly picturesque, fishing marks.

Drizzle, wind and low temperatures, what else could you possibly desire?

The sun is long gone and the only illumination left is the orange glow of streetlights. The cloud is low and reflects the light pollution, almost gives the impression there’s embers burning behind it. I’m at my first mark and it’s as far removed from the more poetically beautiful coastline, only a few miles away, as you can get. North Corner Pontoon in Devonport. It’s grubby, ugly and home to many a rat, but I love it. I caught my first fish here, a tiny ballan wrasse, so I’ll always have a soft spot for it. It’s a popular mark and there are already two anglers bait fishing on the pontoon.

I’m not interested in fishing from the pontoon though, I require a casting point where light hits the water. To the right there is a large accessible ledge with a streetlight beaming onto the surface. I know this to be a fish magnet, any area with artificial light on the water at night, provides a great chance of holding fish. The wind is strong, though not consistent, so I opt for a heavier jighead than I’d ideally like. Three grams might not seem like a lot, but it falls a little too quick through the water column for my liking, but it’s the only way to get the lure out there in this wind so I persevere. I lift the rod tip constantly to slow the fall but I’m cautious not to be too erratic.

Small ‘ballzy worm’ lures bring small plucks and hits but nothing concrete. I switch over to an inch of the ever reliable Power Isome and it brings instant results. I use a slow pulsing retrieve through the artificially lit water and a fish is on. The spirited dive with no real power gives up the perpetrator immediately, a tiny pollack. Quickly I follow it up with two more. The silver fish are eluding me!

Fishing at night and quality photos do not go hand in hand, but these micro pollack deserve a little limelight, they save many a blank!

It’s very clearly obvious the herring aren’t here so I move on. I head to probably my least favourite mark in Plymouth, Mount Wise. I have no real reason not to like it, the area holds fish and regularly throws up great catches yet I can’t get on with it. It’s a very open and exposed promenade with few obvious features besides streetlights. I suppose it doesn’t help that it holds a greater selection of trolleys and baskets than your average Tesco! It’s these snags that make me thankful I’m using a cheap AGM jighead tonight, I can afford to lose two or three of these.

These cheap AGM jigheads are perfect when fishing snaggy areas, combined with a length of Power Isome you will always find fish.

There’s three fishermen bait fishing on the most prominent spot, a small pier that juts out a couple of metres to either side. To the right of me at the end there is an angler fishing LRF under the streetlamp. Unfortunately the spot I wanted to try but alas I’ll try left. I make my casts into the dark, the random gusts of wind blow me off balance. It’s not easy to keep in touch with my lure at times. This is both the frustration and joy of winter LRF, the conditions are awful but the satisfaction when you catch a fish is addictive. I keep casting, trying out different depths but, with only one stray hit to work with, it’s uninspiring stuff!

The three guys fishing on the pier have moved and I’m wasting no time in trying there. The gap between one side of the pier and the inside wall is well lit and calm. If there’s fish anywhere they must be here. I cast out and then twitch it back, keeping it about a metre under the surface. A solid hit! Then another. The hits continue without a hook up right until it’s under the rod tip. I cut down the Isome so it barely extends past the hook and recast. The hit is instant again but this time I connect. The fish feels rather strong and it’s definitely not a pollack. It is a few metres out and is dogged in it’s fight against me. Though not large enough to take line, I’m relieved when I see silver. Unfortunately though, not silver enough to be a herring. I get it on land and it’s revealed to be a sand smelt, a rather large one too.

A chunky little sand smelt, a welcome sight on chilly nights!

Sand smelt are a small species of pelagic shoaling fish. They are unusual in that they are not particularly slimy and smell rather pleasant. It can only be described as cucumber-like. The one I hold in my hands is certainly the chunkiest I’ve ever caught, though still only about five inches long. I try to contain it’s wriggling for two seconds to take a picture, not easy in the wind and drizzle. After a couple of satisfactory photos it is returned to swim again.

I really want a herring now and subsequent casts have brought me only more smelt. As lovely as they are I want a real pull on the rod, something that right now only a herring or a bass is going to provide. The LRF’er on the end looks like he’s packing up, so I figure he’s worth chatting to, perhaps he’s had more luck with the herring than I. I walk over and on the floor in a plastic bag is my answer, it’s full of herring (and a little annoyingly, an undersize pollack, but I’m not in the mood to pick a fight). The chap is leaving but says there’s plenty of herring here still, which is music to my silver deprived ears.

The streetlight beams directly onto the water here and you can occasionally see fish flashing under the surface. I put on a slightly longer piece of Isome and cast out just beyond the light. I twitch it back for immediate results. A real pull back, then another, then I strike and connect. This fish is no smelt! It’s turbo-charged and takes line handsomely then shakes the hook. This happens again twice. The fourth fish is truly on and I yank it in just so I can see it.

This photo really shows the varied colour palette in the herring. True disco balls in fish form.

The ‘Tamar Tarpon’ in all it’s iridescent glory, those silver scales reflecting blues, pinks and lilacs at me. A true disco ball of a fish. Their mouth is incredibly thin and it’s easy to see how the hook pulls out so often. Trying to take pictures of such a lively fish, whilst also trying not to shake any of it’s scales off is a test. Their beautiful large scales seem to be held on by a thread, they lose them so easy and I’m careful to minimise touching the fish. Unlike the angler before me I require no food for the pot, just the simple joy of catching such a beautiful thing. I quickly return it.

With that tarpon-like mouth and slim, streamlined build, it’s no wonder these fish fight so well.

I’m now hooking fish after fish, a lot are shaking the hook right at the end. This suits me as I’m only here for the fight. With the drag set light the herring rocket off! Some go deep and fight like a scad, others do their best impression of a garfish and leap from the water. In difficult wind and a constant drizzle, it’s a relief to find such electric sport. I milk each fight and there are many, I lose count but it’s easily over twenty in only fifteen minutes. Only mackerel can rival this species for sheer numbers, greed and outright speed!

With a massive smile on my face I head home, my lust for silver abated. As I drive home I see the flickering of televisions on curtains, I imagine the people inside, warm but numbingly watching television. I’m chilled to the bone and smell of herring, but I know who had the more memorable of nights.

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